U18s PUNISHED BY CLINICAL DONS
Cambridge United U18s were unable to handle a dominant first half performance from AFC Wimbledon, which saw the home side run out 4-1 winners.
It was the U’s who started the game with a quicker pace in their play, creating a brief half chance in the opening stages that they were unable to convert. With the opportunity in front goal spurned, AFC Wimbledon were quick to gain confidence and take the advantage.
On ten minutes the Dons right winger gathered possession of the ball, and went on a skilful dribbling run before cutting inside and striking a good left footed shot into the far corner of the goal, leaving the U’s a goal down.
After the goal, United persevered but gradually Wimbledon became more dominant in the fixture. The home side pushed on and scored a second after a loose pass from the United defence.
Despite the second setback, the U’s continued to dig in but struggled to break down a physically strong Wimbledon defence.
However, it looked as though the U’s had a breakthrough when Jake Chambers-Shaw crossed into Jordan Brown, and the United youngster nestled the ball into the back of the net, only for the referee to disallow the goal for an incident earlier in the play.
The U’s confidence dropped and with this Wimbledon scored a third before half time, which was followed quickly after the break by a fourth for the Dons.
However, United did produce a better second half performance, and played the ball with a little more conviction than they had in the first 45 minutes which caused Wimbledon problems in behind the defence.
With 15 minutes to play, Josh Emmins was brought down in the area and Chambers-Shaw converted from the spot to pull a goal back for United. But it proved to be only a consolation for the U’s who were beaten comfortably come the final whistle.
CUFC U18s: Iron, Shaw, Bell, Shaw, Darling, Emmins, Lea, Williams, Foy (Neal, 45 mins), Brown, Harnell
The scholars are in action at the Abbey Stadium next Wednesday against Hayes & Yeading in the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup. Tickets are available at just £4 for adults and £2 for concessions. Call 01223 566 500 today for more information.