Agyei strikes twice in win versus Oxford
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s extended their unbeaten run to five games with victory against Oxford United to round off a great week for the academy.
At the end of a week when two more Under-18s signed professional forms – Dan Gallagher and Ryan Sweeney on Friday – Oxford were beaten 3-2 with a double from Dan Agyei (pictured) continuing his rich vein of form.
Agyei wasted no time showing his talent once again by scoring after just three minutes on Saturday. Tayshan Hayden-Smith, who netted the late winner, found Agyei 40 yards out and he produced an explosive turn of foot to burst through, before finishing clinically.
minute to double his tally. Callum Wilson, who again filled in effectively as a left centre-back, found Agyei with an excellent through ball and the in-form striker made no mistake for 2-0.th It took Agyei until just the 19
Though the Dons continued to control possession, they had to be alert in defence with Graham Jordan’s shot just wide highlighting Oxford’s threat.
The second half started at a frantic pace with Wimbledon lacking cohesion in their play. They paid the price three minutes after the break when Jordan got one back for Oxford after the Dons had failed to deal with a corner. However, Wimbledon recovered their composure by getting their passing going again and Agyei squandered three chances to seal a hat-trick. Manager Mark Robinson decided it was time to introduce fresh legs with Under-16 Reece Williams-Bowers entering the fray for Agyei midway through the second half.
Despite not being at their best, the young Dons put together excellent moves at times with Billy Frost and Alfie Egan both showing plenty of creative flair. With 15 minutes to go Seanan McKillop was introduced to continue his recuperation after serious injury, Jason Stripp making way.
Having failed to show the ruthlessness that earned a 5-1 win against Peterborough United, it looked like Wimbledon would be punished when Oxford equalised.
However, the response from Wimbledon was exactly what Mark Robinson wanted. A flowing move five minutes from time involving Billy Frost, Dan Ano and Alfie Egan ended with a brilliant finish from Hayden-Smith as his fierce effort bounced in off the crossbar.
Mark Robinson said: “It’s been a very positive week for the academy with two more Under-18s signing pro contracts and six Under-18s playing their part for the development team in the draw against a far more experienced Brighton side.
“It was a bit of a mixed bag from the Under-18s against Oxford. We produced very good moments, but we were also wasteful and over indulgent at times. It would have been very disappointing if this had cost us because we had 20 attempts on goal and I cannot remember Will Mannion making a save.
“I was really pleased with the back four again, in particular Callum Wilson, who is showing real professionalism at a crucial stage in his development. He is filling in well at left centre back even though I know he is desperate to get up and down the flank in his usual right back position.
“The midfield showed lovely creativity and the forwards were once again a threat, even though we were a little over indulgent in the final third.”
Man of the Match for Wimbledon was Alfie Egan.