Dons can clinch a dream tie against Spurs
Mark Robinson has decided to change Wimbledon’s preparations for tomorrow night’s FA Youth Cup tie in an effort to get the best out of his players.
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s entertain Cheltenham tomorrow (7.45 pm kick-off at the Cherry Red Records Stadium) with the added incentive of a third round tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur if they can beat the Robins.
While Mark Robinson has warned his players to refrain from talking about Spurs and instead concentrate on the job in hand, he is hoping Dons fans will show their support for the club by attending tomorrow night and getting behind the boys in their bid to book a prestigious tie in the next round.
But Wimbledon’s Academy Manager is doing everything he can to ensure that his players do not freeze on the big stage when they play at the Cherry Red Records Stadium once again.
Speaking to Dons Player, Mark said: “We had our last major training session today, but we have another light session tomorrow just to go over a few things. Then the players will relax a bit at the training ground, before maybe having a game of table tennis and then we will come down here to the ground at about 4.30 pm and do pre-match stuff.
“A lot of the lads have never really done anything like this before as none of them, apart from Tom Beere, had played in the FA Youth Cup before Farnborough. We are just trying to do it a little bit more in line with the first-team for a big game like this. It was clear that when I spoke to a few of the players after the Farnborough game some of them were very nervous during the day and they were sat at home thinking about the game. We will be just trying to take them away from that so that they can take their minds off it and have a bit of fun before the game.”
Mark Robinson has almost a full squad to choose from, but he will be missing key player Tom Beere and Charlie Fayers must pass a late fitness test as he has been struggling with an ankle injury.
Fayers struck the first goal in the 2-0 victory against Farnborough in the last round with substitute Harlan Basker (pictured) netting the other goal.
But it will be harder against a Cheltenham side that are at the same level in the Football League Youth Alliance pyramid.
“It will be tough,” added Robinson. “I have not got to see them, but I have heard they are strong in midfield and have a lad who has played for the first-team already. We are trying not to mention the next round, the boys know all about it, and we are just talking about what we have to do to win the game. I could not fault the effort and desire of the players against Aldershot (1-1 draw), but we fell short in our passing and the way I want us to play.”
The full video interview with Mark Robinson can be viewed on Dons Player.
Tickets are just £5 for adults and £2 for Under-16s for tomorrow night’s match.. Tickets for the PL for this game are described as 'Standard tickets' on the site. All other tickets can only be bought on the turnstile.FA Youth Cup ticketsThere is an opportunity to buy a President's Lounge ticket with a seat in the Directors' Box. The ticket price of £10 includes tea and coffee before the game and a buffet at half time. Tickets for the PL must be bought in advance, which can be done via the club's online ticket facility by clicking on