This Friday evening Arsenal U23s welcomed dying Derby County to Borehamwood. Making the journey down to London the young rams have been unbeaten in their last three outings. Leaving them bottom of the league, just like their first team. Relegation looms. Clearly a bad time for all at the club. The home side narrowly beat Blackburn rovers in their last match, Balogun scoring the winner.
Getting the action underway this evening was an early Derby County goal. Two minutes in the guest took the lead with a low hit effort. Hard for the keeper to prevent, as it smashed into the back of his goal. The lead didn’t last long for the rams as Arsenal equalised nine minutes in. Balogun found the top corner with a fantastic finish, which he hit first time round. Error from his opponents opened up the chance for the forward. Pushing for a lead Arsenal had shouts for a penalty, but the officials decided against it. Soon after they managed to grab a second goal. Balogun again, capitalising from close range. The player picked up on poor passing from Derby. Twenty-three minutes in the tide had turned as Arsenal responded quickly after their visitors took the lead. Just like the young rams squad moments later. Sliding the ball across the box for a calm finish. All square on the thirtieth minute. A chance to get back in front came for Biereth as he forced a save from Foulkej, after taking on a through pass made by Olayinka.
Even at the break was a fair result so far for both sides. Each team looked incredible, and definitely worth watching. Perfect encounter for those reporting on the league affair. Balogun leading by example, as he has done many times in the past. But Derby look strong despite of the field matters. Going again for another forty-five minutes, Derby took the lead only three minutes after play restarted. Plange got the ball into the top corner, for an excellent second goal. Increasing the lead once more was Dixon who made the score four two to the East Midlands outfit fifty-three minutes in. Beating his man, a young ram’s player put the ball in, letting the diving header be slotted home. Credit is due to Dixon for leaping in a risky situation. Also getting his second goal against Arsenal was Sibley. Fifty-five minutes in Derby had their fifth. Taking on his marker with impressive pace, before smacking it past the shocked keeper. Scoring did not come to an end there. Another effort from Balogun gave the gunners a third, but it was too little too late. Confidence is flowing through that mans veins week in week out. With seventy-two minutes on the clock, he would be proud of himself. Unlike his teammates.
In conclusion this eight-goal thriller was a brilliant watch for those that attended the match. Making the time spent in cold conditions worth it, more so for the large number of travelling fans. Credit to their club for making the journey on a Friday night.
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