An Arsenal XI suffered their first defeat of the season against Boreham Wood on Saturday, going down 3-0 on a humid afternoon in Hertfordshire.
First-half Graeme Montgomery and Mario Noto goals gave the hosts a two-goal lead at the break before Calum Willock made the game safe just after half-time.
While pre-season is primarily about building up match fitness, Steve Gatting may be slightly disappointed by his side’s performance. But the test offered to his young team by an experienced Boreham Wood side is one that could have long-term benefits.
Gatting named the same side that had impressed during the opening 45 minutes against Sutton United last Friday.
Dan Crowley had showcased his undoubted potential in that game with his vast array of passing and clever movement. The 15-year-old again operated as part of an attacking triumvirate at Meadow Park, lining up behind lone striker Austin Lipman alongside wingers Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Anthony Jeffrey.
Isaac Hayden and Jack Jebb formed the shield in front of a defence including Zac Fagan and Tom Dallison, who were given another chance to enhance their central-defensive partnership.
Arsenal started with tempo and almost took the lead within 50 seconds.
Maitland-Niles gained possession on the right-hand side before drifting in and curling a left-footed effort just off target.
One of the highlights of the young Gunners’ victory at Sutton had been the understanding formed between Jebb and Crowley.
The pair combined to great effect 10 minutes in and, after Jebb found Lipman inside the area, the striker fired just over.
But despite a solid start, Gatting’s side were soon behind.
Willock nodded down a long ball into the path of Montgomery, whose sumptuous first-time volley flew into the top corner.
It got worse five minutes later.
After the hosts were awarded a free-kick 20 yards out, Luke Garrard quickly repositioned the ball and Mario Noto took full advantage, stroking a low effort around the wall and in. The goal stood despite Lipman’s protestations.
Trialists Liam Enver-Marum and Willock then both went close to extending the lead yet further but were denied by a mixture of Deyan Iliev and slack finishing.
Arsenal were becoming increasingly frustrated but they almost pulled one back when Crowley charged down Garrard’s clearance before bending a shot narrowly off target.
Gatting made a triple substitution at the break, introducing Nico Yennaris, Daniel Boateng and Wellington Silva.
And Silva almost made an instant impression, embarking on a slaloming run and shooting just wide.
Typically for pre-season, both sides continued to make changes throughout the second half. The game became somewhat disjointed as a result but the hosts added a third when Willock nodded home from close range after Charlie Moone rattled the crossbar.
Yennaris almost pulled one back midway through the half but saw his shot tipped over by the largely untroubled James Russell.
The game petered out in the closing stages, brightened up only by the occasional flash of skill by Silva.
Arsenal pressed until the end but for all their possession, could not find a way past the hosts’ stubborn and well-organised defence.
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