Young Dons battle back against Stevenage
marked his return after injury with a goal to earn AFC Wimbledon Under-18s a share of the spoils against Stevenage yesterday.Callum OvertonSubstitute
) had to wait for his Under-18s debut, but he wasted no time making an impression by netting a late equaliser in an entertaining 2-2 draw.Mark RobinsonOverton (pictured above right with
all having early chances in this Football League Youth Alliance encounter, before Stevenage snatched a 1-0 lead against the run of play.Nas Majeed and Egli Kaja, Harlen Basker, George OakleyHosts Wimbledon started brightly with
also shot just over as Wimbledon continued to impress.Billy FrostHowever, the Dons drew level on the half hour mark when Oakley was brought down in the penalty box by the Stevenage goalkeeper and Basker made no mistake with the subsequent spot-kick. After dominating before the break, Wimbledon continued to exert their superiority in the second-half and man of the match Kaja powered a shot from 22 yards against the crossbar.
to keep his side in it. However, Mark Robinson’s side refused to let their heads go down and they were rewarded with just two minutes to play when promising striker Overton struck. There was still plenty to do when Overton received the ball out wide from Oakley, but he turned inside and unleashed a superb strike that arrowed into the top corner.Billy BishopThe Dons were caught out midway through the second-half though when Stevenage restored their advantage once again and it needed Wimbledon goalkeeper
The overall display pleased Academy Manager Mark Robinson, who believes his young squad, consisting mainly of first-year Under-18s, will only get better.
“It was a very physical encounter against a big strong side and the boys more than held their own,” Mark said. “At times in the first-half we played good football and always looked a threat, but the game was far too frantic and we need to control the tempo better. We are a young group and I know that we will get where we need to be because the lads have tremendous attributes and a willingness to learn.”