Depleted Arsenal U21s hold National League side to a draw in pre-season
Arsenal U21s started their pre-season campaign by drawing 2-2 with National League side Boreham Wood at Mangata Pay UK Stadium.
In the absence of some squad members, Callan Hamill, Samuel Chapman, Alex Marciniak, Ceadach O’Neill, and Louis Zecevic-John all made their first appearances for the U21s.
Following Mehmet Ali’s departure to Brentford, interim coaches Max Porter and Ken Gillard took charge of the game.
Boreham took the lead inside the opening minute when forward Matt Rush tapped the ball into the net from a low cross.
Arsenal were quick to respond as Marciniak restored parity 10 minutes later.
After some smooth build-up involving Zecevic-John, Marciniak showed composure to slot the ball into the bottom corner.
Theo Julienne nearly gave the Gunners the lead midway into the second half, having been picked out by O’Neill, but he fired his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Arsenal made eight changes after the interval and started the second half on the front foot.
Charles Sagoe Jr linked up with Seb Ferdinand before forcing the goalkeeper to make a save.
Debutant Maalik Hashi gave Arsenal the lead just moments after he replaced Ferdinand. He capitalised on a defensive blunder and tucked the ball home.
The hosts equalised late in the game through forward Junior Dixon, who rifled his effort past goalkeeper Khari Ranson.
Arsenal will be back in action on Tuesday when they face St Albans City at Clarence Park. They will then travel to Austria to face Young Violets Vienna.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are awaiting the release of the 2025/26 Premier League 2 fixture schedule.
However, they have learned their opponents for the 2025/2026 EFL Trophy group stages.
The Gunners have been placed in Group A of the Southern section, where they will face League One duo Cardiff City and Exeter City alongside League Two outfit Newport County.
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