One-man disadvantage proves too much
.Danny GallagherAFC Wimbledon Under-18s slipped to defeat against Gillingham on Saturday in a match that turned on the referee’s decision to send off
.Mark Robinson minute when Gallagher was harshly dismissed, according to Academy Manager ndWimbledon eventually suffered a 3-0 home defeat, but they were well in the game at just 1-0 down in the 32
all had shots blocked or saved in the first 20 minutes.Callum Overton and Billy Frost, George Oakley, Oliver HainesThe Dons started in determined mood to put their midweek FA Youth Cup defeat behind them and
(pictured above right), who had an impressive first-half, then surged down the wing and produced a great cross that just eluded everyone in the box, before Overton’s header was just off target from eight yards.Nas Majeed
However, all Wimbledon’s excellent early attacking play counted for nothing due to a six-minute spell that ultimately cost them the match. The first setback for Wimbledon came when they switched off from a throw-in and Gillingham took full advantage to make it 1-0 and then Gallagher saw red just after the half hour.
minutes.th and 80thPlaying with 10 men for so long proved difficult for Wimbledon and Gillingham sealed victory with goals in the 60
Mark Robinson said: “We started the game very well in terms of possession, but our finishing was not what it should be in the final third. Leading up to their first goal and afterwards some of our players were a bit petulant and played with no intelligence. There are other elements of the game that they need to enjoy and embrace, apart from when they have possession of the ball. If the players are willing to listen and learn then we will be excellent and in a much shorter time than they realise.”