By Alex Taylor
WHAT HAPPENED
Our under-23s slipped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Blackburn in the Premier League 2 on Friday night.
We made a fast start at Meadow Park and had the best chance of the opening exchanges when Miguel Azeez came close with a well-struck free-kick from 25 yards.
Our 18-year-old midfielder, who made his return from injury against Southampton last week, put in a fine individual performance on a frustrating night for Steve Bould's side.
Despite our positive start, Connor McBride was gifted the chance to open the scoring just before the half-hour mark after being brought down by Ryan Alebiosu inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot and the Blackburn forward made no mistake from 12 yards, firing low and hard into the bottom left corner to give the visitors the lead.
Things then went from bad to worse five minutes later. Sam Burns dispossessed Reiss Nelson inside his own half before beating Arthur Okonkwo from close range to double Blackburn's lead.
Burns wasn't finished there. He completed his brace before the interval, heading home McBride's cross to put the game out of reach for the Gunners.
Despite a late flurry with chances falling to Nelson and Eddie Nketiah, we were unable to notch a late consolation - falling to our ninth defeat of the season.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT'S NEXT
Up next, we will face Everton on Sunday, March 21.
The game will take place at Haig Avenue with kick-off at 1pm (UK time).
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