Young Wimbledon side hold the Bluebirds
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s were just lacking the killer touch in front of goal this afternoon as they did everything but score against Cardiff.
Played at our New Malden training ground, the woodwork was rattled three times during an action-packed friendly match that belied the eventual 0-0 scoreline.
Dons first-team manager Neal Ardley was an interested observer as he helped guide several of the Cardiff youngsters during his time as Academy Manager with the Bluebirds.
And Neal Ardley will have been impressed by the way that his new club’s youngsters took the match to his old club, particularly in the first-half.
Harlen Basker (pictured) fired against the outside of a post during the first 45 minutes and Khan Williams struck a fierce drive against the crossbar. Combative midfielder Dan Pearse also forced a fine save from the Cardiff goalkeeper with a long-range effort.
However, it was not one-way traffic by any means and Cardiff threatened to break the deadlock, particularly during the second-half when they also struck the crossbar and Wimbledon goalkeeper Jack Greenaway made fine saves. The hosts came so close to a late winner through Basker after he was set-up by Youssef Bamba, but both sides had to settle for a draw in the end.
Academy Manager Mark Robinson was pleased with his side’s performance though against a Championship club’s academy set-up, particularly as Wimbledon Under-18s had not played for two weeks since their league defeat against Gillingham.