Photo: Payo / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
An Arsenal XI began their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood at Meadow Park on Friday night. Bowen Phillips's late strike rescued a point after the hosts had taken the lead in the second half.
The opening 45 minutes produced few clear chances. The best opportunity fell to Arsenal three minutes in, when Evan Mooney's low cross from a one-two with Andre Harriman-Annous evaded three teammates in the penalty area. Demiane Agustien also came close with a free-kick that passed narrowly wide.
Both sides made wholesale changes at half-time. Boreham Wood's revamped lineup took the initiative, with Abdul Abdulmalik striking the crossbar from 20 yards before substitute goalkeeper Porter produced a strong save to deny Norris one-on-one.
The hosts went ahead on 69 minutes. Norris held off Patrick Stachow to find Marley Marshall-Miranda, whose effort deflected into the bottom corner.
Arsenal levelled with five minutes remaining. A high press won possession, Marley Frohock cut the ball back, and Phillips fired into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.