Match report as great run continues ahead of FA Youth Cup last-16 tie
The young Dons extended an impressive unbeaten run in league and cup with a draw at Luton Town yesterday.
Defender Osaze Urhoghide produced a Man of the Match display to defy the Hatters in a 0-0 draw that meant the Under-18s are now unbeaten in 10 matches.
minute when Tom Scott whipped in a fine delivery that Antwi met with a header, but it was saved.thA bright start from the Dons put Luton on the back foot early on. A good variety of penetration and patience in the build-up play was complemented by dynamic runs from Jayden Antwi, Nathan Wood and Reece Williams-Bowers. The young Dons had their first sight of goal in the 15
In terms of chance creation, Wimbledon struggled to fashion clear-cut opportunities, but retained control on the game with Judah Chapman and Anthony Hartigan taking a grip on midfield.
The second-half continued in a similar pattern to the first with Luton’s back five providing stubborn resistance. That was until a driving run from Hartigan found the excellent run of Wood, but his effort was tipped over the bar from a tight angle. Moments later a whipped in corner dropped to the feet of Toby Sibbick, but his shot was blocked, before the excellent Osaze Urhoghide had his follow-up stopped as well.
In the latter stages, the Dons continued to push forward with Valentino Carpene having a goal- bound effort pushed away from safety, but the breakthrough proved elusive in the end.
Under-18s assistant manager James Oliver-Pearce said: "Luton always pose a tough challenge and we knew we would have to be on top form to get a result. I was pleased with the way we applied ourselves and we showed a real intent to try and win the game. We must now look at how we break down a deep line defence. We will make sure that we learn from this game and focus on how it can make us better moving forward."
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s will travel to Preston North End in the last-16 of the FA Youth Cup after the Lilywhites triumphed 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Everton last night. We will confirm a date for this fixture in due course.