U21s report: Leyton Orient 1-2 Arsenal

Our under-21s netted a late winner to beat League One Leyton Orient 2-1 in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

We started well in east London, but fell behind midway through the first half to Nicholas Oyekunle's header, before Archie Stevens' excellent finish from a tight angle drew us level right on half-time.

Orient introduced several regular starters in the second half, but we defended brilliantly, and snatched a winner on the counter attack through Andre Harriman-Annous.

FIRST HALF

We started well at the BetWright Stadium, almost taking an early lead when Archie Stevens' corner was dropped on the goal line by Oliver Dovin, but the goalkeeper recovered to spare his own blushes.

The O's had their first chance in the 20th minute courtesy of a powerful cross from Tony Springett, which would've dropped for Oyekunle six yards out had it not been for a fantastic clearing header from Jayden Dixon.

Having gained the momentum, Orient soon found the opening goal of the contest. After a well-worked short corner routine, Idris El Mizouni floated a teasing cross into penalty area, and Oyekunle rose highest to flick it past Ranson and break the deadlock.

Oyekunle, who was dangerous throughout, came close to a second ten minutes before half-time, dragging a well-struck shot just wide of the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Our best chance of the half came shortly after as Emerson Nwaneri found himself in space in the penalty area, spinning his marker with a skilful turn before seeing his effort saved by Dovin.

But it was from a far more difficult opportunity that we got the equaliser as Stevens, under pressure from two Orient defenders, drilled a low effort across goal into the far corner from a tight angle in the only minute of first-half stoppage time.

SECOND HALF

We carried on where he left off after the break, moving the ball at a good pace. Emerson Nwaneri came close to giving us the lead just three minutes into the half when he flashed a powerful effort just wide of the top corner.

The tempo remained high, with few chances until the 65th-minute, when substitute Finn Stevens hit a blistering volley from the edge of the penalty area, only for Khari Ranson to make an excellent reaction save to tip the shot over the crossbar.

From the resulting corner, an audacious backheel flick at the front post looped over the crowded six yard box and came back off the post, before Ranson was called into action again to make a point-blank save on the rebound.

Orient continued to pile on the pressure and should have restored their lead when a free-kick delivery dropped to Armando Dobra on the penalty spot, with the midfielder hooking his effort over the bar.

We responded to the wake-up call and created a chance for ourselves through Marcel Washington, who set up James Scanlon. Scanlon's touch sat an O's defender on the ground before a second made a sliding block to deny us the lead.

There were more Ranson heroics shortly after as a deflected cross almost squirmed into the near post, but our goalkeeper got down quickly to make a superb save to deny the home side the lead.

Ranson's save proved to be even more significant a few moments later as we broke down the other end and took the lead, Harriman-Annous pouncing on a loose ball after Evan Mooney's effort had been beaten out by Dovin.

The hosts threw everything at it in the closing stages, but our young Gunners held out to record a significant win against professional opposition.

WHAT IT MEANS

Our first win of the campaign moves us up into second place in Southern Group F, behind leaders Barnet on goal difference.

Leyton Orient sit second on two points, while AFC Wimbledon round off the group with one point; Wimbledon host Barnet in the o

WHAT'S NEXT

Our under-21s face a quick turnaround before facing Birmingham City away from home on Friday afternoon (1pm UK).

The Premier League 2 clash takes place at City's Knighthead Training and Academy Grounds.

LINE-UPS

Leyton Orient: Dovin, Morris, Olowu, Forrester (Stevens, 61'), Mizouni, Dobra, Gilbert (Hayden, 61'), Springett, Clare, Archibald (Akhamrich, 61'), Oyekunle (Scarlett, 46')

Subs: Baxter, Wellens, Al Saidi

Arsenal: Ranson, Clarke (McCarron, 69'), Dixon (Hamill, 56'), Mooney, Ogunnaike, Stevens (Harriman-Annous, 69'), Washington, Scanlon, Hashi (Agustien, 69'), Murisa, Nwaneri (Tyjon, 59')

Subs: Porter, Agustien, Harriman-Annous, Mbala, McCarron