Forward nets again for development side on opening day
George Oakley continued his return from injury with a second half equaliser for the development side in their opening Central League – South East fixture against AFC Bournemouth.
The powerful target man kept up his recent run of scoring for Alan Reeves’ side in a 1-1 draw at Canford Arena this afternoon.
Mikael Ndjoli gave Bournemouth the lead after half an hour from the penalty spot in the first half, but an encouraging half-time team talk from the Dons coach helped earn his side a share of the honours.
Oakley hit the framework of the goal shortly before netting from seven yards out in the 70th minute, after being supplied by Egli Kaja.
“It was a pretty even game,” said Alan Reeves after. “We probably edged it on chances on goal. I thought it was a dubious penalty given against us, but we didn’t appeal. I told our lads not to be despondent at half-time though. We had the best chance of the first half and I told them to keep going in the second half.”
“Our two centre-backs Seth Owens and Paul Kalambayi did well and so did George up front. I’m really pleased with the progress.”
Their next league game is a scheduled away fixture to Newport County on 28 September.
AFC Wimbledon: McDonnell, Sibbick, Kalambayi, Owens, Bellikli (Urhoghide), Beere, McKillop (Olusanya), Kaja (Wood), Fitzpatrick, Egan (Chapman), Oakley.
The development squad face matches against Middlesbrough, Fulham and Charlton Athletic following the draw for the Premier League Cup.
Having beaten Wigan Athletic 5-0 in the first qualifying round at the Cherry Red Records Stadium and having received a bye in the second round, the Dons progressed to the group stages for the first time.
The competition, previously for under-21s and now open to under-23 sides across the country, is initially contested in a group format. Each group contains four sides, each playing each other home and away.
The Dons are in group F and clubs are now in discussions over exact dates and fixtures.
The competition is made up of 32 teams, split into eight groups of four teams with six match rounds as part of the group stage. The Premier League Cup, like the Premier League 2 league schedule, is open to players under the age of 23 with the normal provision of three overage outfield players and one over age goalkeeper.
All fixtures must be played at the club main stadium or a Premier League approved alternative venue. No training ground games are permitted within the Premier League Cup. All fixtures must be played between the Friday and Monday of the dedicated Match Round.
The top two in each group progress to the last 16 where the competition becomes a straight knock-out.