Neal Ardley's men end pre-season with a flourish
The Dons ended their pre-season programme in style today with Sean Rigg’s fine free-kick rounding off an impressive win at Aldershot Town.
Neal Ardley’s men gradually exerted their superiority and they opened the scoring just after the break when Harry Pell claimed to have got the last touch to Rigg’s free-kick, before goals from Kevin Sainte-Luce and Rigg (pictured) secured a 3-0 win.
It was a good day for Wimbledon’s young crop with Beere impressing and 17-year-olds Ben Harrison and Egli Kaja both appearing for the first-team.
Such a bright final scenario never looked likely early on with Wimbledon making a shaky start. Aldershot put on early pressure and Kieron Forbes shot just over with one of the home side’s chances.
However, the Dons steadily came into it and Rigg had a shot deflected behind, before Aldershot goalkeeper Phil Smith denied Bayo Akinfenwa.
Wimbledon started on the front foot after half-time and they made the breakthrough when Beere’s free-kick was deflected into the back of the net with Pell claiming the final touch.
The Dons were in complete control by the hour mark and Sammy Moore struck a fierce shot just over. However, Wimbledon were rewarded for a much-improved second-half display when Kevin Sainte-Luce pounced on an Aldershot mistake and drove home low past Smith.
The best was still to come from Wimbledon as they sealed victory with a flourish through a superb free-kick from Rigg.
Ross Worner, Jack Smith, Ben Harrison, Alan Bennett, Harry Pell, Kevin Sainte-Luce (Chace Jacquart), Sammy Moore, Tom Beere (Egli Kaja), Sean Rigg, Matt Tubbs, Bayo Akinfenwa. AFC Wimbledon:
A more comprehensive match report will follow tomorrow on the official website.