Goals from Joe Devera, trialist Shaun Jeffers and Kenny Davis handed Boreham Wood their first win over Arsenal in three years they ran out 3-0 winners in the annual pre-season meeting between the sides.

Not since 2013 had Wood beaten the Premier League giants. On that occasion goals from Graeme Montgomery, Mario Noto and Callum Willock sealed the win for Ian Allinson's men.

This time a first-half header from Joe Devera gave the hosts the lead after 11 minutes. Jeffers, who was released by Yeovil Town at the end of the season, tucked home the second before Kenny Davis slotted home a last-gasp penalty.

Luke Garrard's plans were disrupted slightly before kick-off when left-back Danny Woodards was withdrawn following the warm-up. His place in the side was taken by Ricky Shakes who played at right-back with Devera shuffling across to left-back.

There were two new faces in the Wood squad. Former Hartlepool United winger Kudus Oyenuga, who played on loan at Meadow Park in 2014, was named in the starting XI. On the bench there was a place for striker Jeffers.

The Arsenal XI was, as expected, comprised of Under-21 and Under-18 players. Though Finnish midfielder Glen Kamara played for the first team in last season’s 3-0 League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Wood went for Arsenal from the off, causing their illustrious visitors problems early on. And Boreham Wood’s bold approach paid off after 11 minutes when they went in front.

The hosts recycled possession well from a corner and Daniel Uchechi, fresh from signing a contract for the upcoming season earlier in the week, floated an inch-perfect cross to the back post for Devera to nod home.

The Gunners had struggled to test Wood’s backline up to that point. But Sam Beasant was forced into a smart stop after midway through the first half when Savvas Mourgos strode forward and dragged a low effort towards the bottom left-hand corner.

Beasant had to be at his best six minutes before half time when a clever ball over the top released Eddie Nketiah. He tried to pick out the far corner but the Wood keeper stood up as long as possible before getting down to push the forward’s effort away.

Wood made two half-time changes, introducing trialists Jeffers and Kadell Daniel in place of Oyenuga and Bruno Andrade.

The second half was similarly short of goalmouth action, though Boreham Wood were fortunate to escape when Matt Paine appeared to trip Nketiah in the penalty area. The young forward remained on his feet despite stumbling and nothing was given.

Boreham Wood had the first chance of note after an hour. Substitute Daniel whipped a left footed free-kick over the wall but Joao Virginia was equal to it.

With 20 minutes remaining and the game evenly poised Beasant pulled off his third exquisite save to keep Wood in the lead. Arsenal forward Donyell Malon was slipped through but, after going through one-v-one, saw his effort palmed around the post.

Substitute Nathan Tella was next to try his luck for Arsenal, but his powerful drive was pushed wide by Beasant.

Wood made the win safe at the death when trialist Jeffers slotted beyond the helpless Virgina.

Less than 60 seconds later it was 3-0. This time Jeffers was brought down by Arsenal keeper Virgina and Davis sent the resulting penalty kick straight down the middle. 

Next up for Wood is a visit from League Two outfit Luton Town on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm).

Boreham Wood: Beasant; Shakes, Stephens, Paine, Devera; Moke (Coldicott-Stevens 76), Clifford (B.Goodliffe 82), Ricketts, Andrade (Daniel HT); Oyenuga (Jeffers HT), Uchechi (Davis 60).

Substitutes: Smith (GK).

Arsenal: Virgina; Eyoma (Osei-Tutu 75), Da Graca, Pleguezuelo, Pileas; Kamara, Mourgos (Tella 75), Bennacer; De Silva (Robinson 60), Nketiah (Dragomir 61), Malon.

Substitutes: Bola, Smith-Rowe.

Referee: Mathew Bounassisi.