Zecevic John and Marciniak feature as Arsenal U18s lose to Dover in friendly

Arsenal U18s suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Dover Athletic’s first-team in a pre-season friendly today.

The game saw Arsenal coach Adam Birchall return to the club for whom he scored with regularity between 2009 and 2011.

Arsenal named a strong side which included many players who have been involved with the U21s in the early stages of pre-season.

Khari Ranson and Louis Zecevic John, who recently signed professional contracts, both started, while schoolboy Angelinou Pedro was called upon at centre-back.

Ranson

King-Onyekachukwu-Pedro-Ogunnaike

Murisa

Hashi-Marciniak

O’Neill-Zecevic John-Bailey Joseph

The Dover team included former Gunner Alfie Matthews, who was part of the same scholarship intake as Bukayo Saka in 2018.

Dover took the lead in the 15th minute through Luke Baptiste, with Francis Mampolo scoring from the penalty spot in the second half.

Arsenal U18s will now head to Germany for a training camp, although some players could be involved with the U21s in Austria.