By Lloyd Webb at Meadow Park
Summary
Arsenal Under-21s extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 1-1 draw against Wolves on Monday night.
Donyell Malen put the hosts in front when he raced past his marker and planted a strike into the bottom corner.
The visitors hit back immediately and, following a goalmouth scramble, Tommy Rowe poked the ball into the back of the net.
Substitute Stephy Mavididi had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points late on but Jon Flatt palmed away to Krystian Bielik who rattled the crossbar which forced the home side to settle for a point.
Setting the scene
Steve Gatting made six changes to his side for the under-21s’ first game in just under a month.
O’Connor was back in the team after returning from his loan spell with York City, while Kaylen Hinds made his first start following a short lay-off.
Ryan Huddart replaced Matt Macey in goal, while Malen started in place of Mavididi.
First half
It took a while for Arsenal to find their rhythm but, after a quarter of an hour, Malen took matters into his own hands when he raced past his marker and rifled into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, the visitors were back level when, after a scramble, the ball was poked home by Rowe.
The equalising goal seemed to stun the Gunners as opportunities were few and far between for the rest of the half, and while Nelson troubled from distance on two occasions it finished deadlocked at the break.
Second half
Arsenal were given an early warning when Liam McAlinden cut inside and hammered the ball inches wide of the post.
Chris Willock had the fans out their seats with some fine footwork moments later before his teasing cross was glanced wide by Malen.
Rowe was next to try his luck but he thundered his strike high and wide of the goal.
Bright Enobakhare then stretched his legs, beating Julio Pleguezuelo for pace before rattling the post from a tight angle.
The Gunners had a great opportunity to score a dramatic winner when Mavididi first forced Flatt into wonderful save before Bielik hit the crossbar.
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