Young Dons brush aside Peterborough challenge
AFC Wimbledon’s development squad turned on the style this afternoon to defeat Posh once again with a double from David Fitzpatrick leading the charge.
Three days after the first-team triumphed 1-0 at Peterborough United, the young Dons managed by Alan Reeves marched to a 3-1 win in a Central League Cup South match played at our training ground.
Peterborough featured several first-team squad members in their line-up, including former Dons loanee George Moncur, who was denied a goal by Joe McDonnell in the second-half.
With Posh first-team manager Grant McCann watching on from the sidelines, it was Wimbledon who started the brighter and it was 1-0 in the sixth minute when Toby Sibbick slotted home after an excellent corner delivery from Neset Bellikli.
minute when full-back Seth Owens, who was impressive throughout, put through a searching ball for Fitzpatrick and he made no mistake.stThe Dons doubled their advantage in the 21
minute when Sam Cartwright headed home after a corner from Nathan Oduwa was swung in.thPeterborough halved the deficit in the 38
minute after more fine play from Owens, who curled in a lovely ball from the left flank and Fitzpatrick showed good strength to head home.thWimbledon played some good football in the second-half with Dan Gallagher and Alfie Egan combining well in midfield. There was a cutting edge too with the third goal arriving in the 58
Alan Reeves made his first change just after the hour with Reece Williams-Bowers introduced for Toyosi Olusanya. Straight into the thick of it, Williams-Bowers got on the end of an excellent cross from Fitzpatrick, but his shot was blocked.
At the other end, Joe McDonnell was required to make a superb fingertip stop to deny Matty Stevens a goal back and he also saved from Moncur. In a spell of pressure from the visitors, Osaze Urhogidide twice blocked efforts on the line. Afterwards, the Under-18 full-back received praise from Alan Reeves for his impressive defensive performance.
In a strong finish to the game, Wimbledon had chances to strike a fourth. Williams-Bowers was picked out by Gallagher and his cross almost found the back of the net with Posh goalkeeper Dion-Curtis Henry palming it onto the bar. Substitute Judah Chapman also fired over the crossbar and Egli Kaja was denied by Curtis Henry in the last action of a well-contested match.
It was a fine way for AFC Wimbledon to start the group phase of the cup competition as the young Dons showed their qualities against a Peterborough side with a clutch of first-teamers.
AFC Wimbledon: Joe McDonnell, Toby Sibbick, Seth Owens, Osaze Urhogidide, Paul Kalambayi, Dan Gallagher, Egli Kaja, Neset Bellikli (Judah Chapman), Alfie Egan, Toyosi Olusanya (Reece Williams-Bowers), David Fitzpatrick (Jayden Antwi).