Under-18s Head of Coaching on Orient loss
Mark Robinson has called on his young squad to toughen up if they want to realise their potential after Tuesday’s home defeat against Leyton Orient.
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s were well in the match until just before half-time, but Orient’s opener opened the floodgates and the visitors eventually triumphed 4-0.
During an even first-half, Wimbledon threatened when Ben Harrison broke through the Orient defence and his cross shot just evaded everyone in the box. The influential Billy Frost (pictured) was also a pivotal force and was responsible for Wimbledon’s best first-half moments.
However, Orient opened the scoring just before the break with Scott Kashket finding the net after Wimbledon had twice failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Jerome Martelli put the icing on the cake for the visitors with a fourth near the end. minute. Three minutes later it was 3-0 with Uzun netting his second and Wimbledon squandered chances for a consolation through Kaja, Frost, Callum Overton and Harry Bruce.thThe second-half started brightly for Wimbledon with both Egli Kaja and Harlan Basker close to a breakthrough. The Dons were made to pay for those missed opportunities though when a quick break ended with a fine finish from Josh Uzun in the 55
Wimbledon’s man of the match was Billy Frost.
Academy Head of Coaching Mark Robinson was far from happy with the performance.
“I never felt we really got going in terms of our football. However, the biggest disappointment was the reaction of some of our players after their second goal. I know I have a strong group here, but they are all first years and if things don’t go their way then their lack of experience means that games can run away from them.
“When we play teams such as Orient and other very competitive teams in this league we cannot afford to be weak in body or mind. Some of this will come with experience, but the boys need to help themselves gain these qualities otherwise next season they will not get anywhere near their potential individually and collectively.”