Our under-21s exited the Bristol Street Motors Trophy following a 3-0 defeat to Peterborough United on Wednesday evening.
The match kicked off on a promising note as we nearly seized an early lead. Jimi Gower orchestrated a clever move down the left, crossing to Josh Robinson, who, was making his first competitive start of the season, narrowly headed wide.
Despite our positive start, the hosts rallied, and goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri made some big saves, firstly tipping Archie Collins’ deflected long-range attempt over the bar and shortly after denying Malik Mothersille from close range to keep us level.
However, the League One side eventually found their breakthrough - Ryan de Havilland's low left-footed drive nestled in the bottom corner.
The Posh capitalised on a momentary lapse and doubled their lead three minutes later as Jonson Clarke-Harris calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net after it was squared to him.
Despite a spirited effort to narrow the deficit before halftime, Robinson's volley was tipped onto the bar, leaving us trailing by two goals as we entered the break.
The woes continued in the second half as Mothersille clinically slotted the ball past Ejeheri to extend Peterborough United's lead to three, capitalising on a swift counter-attack.
We had a chance to claw our way back into the match when Lewis-Skelly made a darting run into the box, only to be brought down. The resulting penalty kick fell to Khayon Edwards, but Fynn Talley was equal to his strike from 12 yards.
Despite a valiant effort throughout the game, our team struggled to generate a significant attacking threat in front of goal, ultimately bringing our commendable run in the competition to a close.
WHAT IT MEANS
This defeat marks our exit from the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at the round of 32 stage.
WHAT’S NEXT
Our last game before Christmas sees us travel to the north east to take on Sunderland in the Premier League 2 on Monday, December 18.
Kick-off at Eppleton Colliery Football Ground is at 7pm (UK).
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal XI: Ejeheri, Robinson (Nichols, 65), Foran, Monlouis, Sousa, Henry-Francis, Lewis-Skelly (Rosiak, 81), Gower (Ferdinand, 65), Sagoe Jr, Nwaneri (Oulad M'Hand, 81) Edwards
Subs not used: Hillson, Kacurri, Kamara
Peterborough United XI: Talley, Fernandez, Katongo, Crichlow, Sturge (Mills, 75), Ajiboye, Collins (Kyprianou, 46), Fuchs (Dornelly, 75), de Havilland, Mothersille, Clarke-Harris
Subs not used: Knight, Mason-Clark, West
KEY FACTS:
Goals: Peterborough United - De Havilland (34), Clarke-Harris (37), Mothersille (49)
Bookings: Peterborough United - Collins (42), Arsenal - Monlouis (8)
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