**Premier League 2**
**Arsenal 1 (Edwards 32) Brighton 1 (Simmonds 90)**
**By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park**
14-year-old Max Dowman made history as he became the youngest ever player to feature for Arsenal at U21 level.
There was late frustration as Arsenal, who had taken the lead through Khayon Edwards, conceded a large equaliser with Freddie Simmonds scoring with a header.
However, the involvement of Dowman, who broke the record previously held by Richie Powling, provided a major positive to take from proceedings.
Arsenal were without the injured Michal Rosiak, while Ayden Heaven wasn’t involved as he could feature for the U18s in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who produced an impressively display, made his Premier League 2 debut. Jimi Gower was deployed as the deepest midfielder.
**Setford**
**Robinson-Kacurri-Monlouis-Nichols**
**Gower**
**I. Oulad M’Hand-Salah Eddine**
**Kabia-Edwards-Butler Oyedeji**
**Subs: Forde (for Nichols, 46), Dowman (for Gower, 84), Kamara (for Forde, 90). Not used: Nygaard, Ferdinand.**
There was a scare for Arsenal early on, with Brighton’s Marcus Ifill hitting the post.
Setford then had to make a save, with Harry Howell then trying his luck for Brighton.
Arsenal had to withstand further pressure but were eventually able to create some chances of their own, with captain Nathan Butler-Oyedeji sending a dangerous ball across the face of the goal.
Salah-Eddine saw an attempt deflected wide and then Arsenal took the lead, with Edwards applying the finishing touch following good work from Gower and Butler-Oyedeji.
Arsenal went into the break in the lead but had to make a change before the start of the second half as Romari Forde replaced the injured Josh Nichols.
The young Gunners moved to a back three, which was comprised of Zane Monlouis, Maldini Kacurri and Josh Robinson as Forde joined Edwards in attack.
Setford had to make some good stops but Arsenal still posed a threat themselves, with Salah-Eddine playing the ball into the path of Butler-Oyedeji, whose lofted effort was saved.
After much anticipation the moment finally came as Dowman made his U21 debut, replacing Gower.
Brighton hit the crossbar with a header before Kabia sent in a good ball at the other end but it was cut out before Edwards could connect with it.
Forde, who has endured much misfortune with injury, then had to be replaced by Osman Kamara.
It seemed as though Arsenal were going to see the game out but Simmonds levelled for Brighton with a header.
There was further drama to come, with Brighton reduced to ten men late on when Imari Samuels received a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Dowman.
Monlouis then needed treatment after hurting himself when making an important defensive intervention.
Arsenal will be frustrated to have missed out on the victory, especially following an improved defensive display.
However, Dowman’s involvement is a major positive and it is hoped that he will soon get further chances at this level.
The youngster was only on the pitch for a short time but his composure in possession is evident and it is a measure of how talented he is that he is frequently targeted by opponents.
The experience he gained today should certainly benefit him in the future.