Another tough lesson from Portsmouth for our youngsters
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s have plenty of work to do if they are to avoid elimination from the Football League Youth Alliance Cup after a heavy defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday.
The Dons youngsters again bumped into a Portsmouth side in top form as Andy Awford’s talented crop won 4-0 at our New Malden training complex.
Mark Robinson’s Wimbledon team had improved markedly since their opening day 2-0 defeat in the league against Portsmouth, but that was not reflected on Saturday.
Pompey were 3-0 up at half-time through goals from George Branford, Bradley Tarbuck and Jack Maloney, before Lewis Horsburgh struck what turned out to be the final goal of the day early in the second-half.
Academy Manager, Mark Robinson, said: “The first-half was nothing short of a horror show. Without taking too much away from a strong Portsmouth side we absolutely gifted them two of their first three goals. There was some improvement in our overall play in the second half but the game was over as a contest. I believe the reaction from the boys to this defeat will shape their season collectively and individually. They will be left in no uncertain terms what is expected of them as footballers and young men and I look forward to their reaction.”
The Dons will now have to win their next two games in the competition against Crawley and Aldershot to stand a chance of progressing.