Our young Gunners gave it everything, but fell just short in a seven-goal thriller against League One side Exeter City in the Vertu Motors Trophy.

Despite taking the lead three times through Charles Sagoe Jr, Harrison Dudziak, and Osman Kamara, the Grecians fought back on each occasion before netting late on to steal all three points.

What happened

We started brightly, with Ife Ibrahim playing a delightful outside of the boot pass into Demiane Agustien, whose effort was deflected behind for a corner.

We took the lead just shortly after mark when Sagoe Jr won back possession and linked up superbly with Ceadach O’Neill. After receiving the return pass, Sagoe Jr danced his way into the box and fired a powerful effort into the top corner.

Jack Aitchison thought he had levelled for the hosts, but Tommy Setford got down low to make a terrific save, pushing the shot behind for a corner.

Exeter came close twice just before the break - first, Sil Swinkels headed over from close range following a free-kick, before Setford denied Liam Oakes with another fine stop.

We nearly doubled our advantage when Washington’s shot fell kindly to Osman Kamara, but his strike cannoned back...