Report: Swans U23s 3 Arsenal U23s 1

Swansea City Under-23s scored twice in the last five minutes to secure a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in Premier League 2 at Landore.

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The match looked to be heading for a draw after Charlie Gilmour’s second-half penalty cancelled out George Byers’ first-half opener.

However, the young Swans regained the lead as Byers slid home his second with five minutes remaining, before Kenji Gorre sealed the points in the dying seconds.

The hosts made four changes from the defeat against Manchester United in the Premier League International Cup last time out, and started brightly at Landore.

They deservedly took the lead in the fifth minute when the visitors failed to clear Aaron Lewis’ cross, and Byers’ deflected volley was enough to beat Hugo Keto.

The Swans went in search of a second goal and were unlucky not to double their lead as they enjoyed the majority of possession.

First, a sweeping move saw Oli McBurnie’s header crash against the post from Byers’ cross, while the latter clipped the outside of the opposite post later in the half before his header brushed the top of the crossbar.

And the Swans were made to rue those near misses as Arsenal responded strongly after the break, equalising through Gilmour’s 64th-minute penalty after Vlad Dragomir was brought down in the box.

The visitors continued to press in search of the lead and Gregor Zabret showed great reflexes to deny Dragomir after the Swans were caught on the counter.

Nevertheless, after withstanding a lengthy spell of pressure, the Swans got their noses back in front when Byers arrived in the six-yard box to turn home Gorre’s cross.

And with Arsenal pushing for the equaliser, the home side secured their first league victory since mid-October in the final minute as Gorre slotted past Keto from Jordon Garrick’s cross. 

Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Tyler Reid (Brandon Cooper 73), Aaron Lewis, Ryan Blair (Jack Evans 67), Cian Harries, Joe Rodon (capt), Jordon Garrick, Jay Fulton, Oli McBurnie, George Byers, Kenji Gorrè.

Subs not used: Adam King, Lewis Thomas, Courtney Baker-Richardson.

Arsenal U23s: Hugo Keto, Tafari Moore, Tolaji Bola, Julio Pleguezuelo, Zech Medley, Tobi Omole (Folarin Balogun 88), Aaron Eyoma (Xavier Amaechi 87), Charlie Gilmour, Vlad Dragomir, Emile Smith-Rowe, Tyreece John-Jules.

Subs not used: Dejan Iliev, Josh Benson, Robbie Burton.