Young players eager to impress
AFC Wimbledon’s youngsters have been urged to grasp their opportunities in tomorrow night’s (Thursday) Surrey Senior Cup semi-final tie at Sutton United.
Wimbledon make the short trip to Gander Green Lane with a squad largely made up of Mark Robinson’s Under-18s players, but it offers a chance for Dons supporters to watch a crop of young talents determined to make an impression.
, said: “It is a big game for the lads as they are playing against a team only about 30 places below Wimbledon’s senior team. Physically, it is going to be hard for them. They have to try and match Sutton and show what they are capable of technically. It is a great opportunity for these players to show what they can do.Mark Robinson, Academy Manager Dons PlayerSpeaking to
to play with no fear and for them not to worry about making mistakes. They have told them to go out and play and grasp their opportunities. You would not get that with many other managers, who would be concerned about the lads making errors with it being an Under-18s side against a first-team.”Neil Cox and Neal Ardley“I think Sutton’s fans will turn up in their numbers and it will be great if we can get our fans along to support the boys as it would give them a big lift. It is then up to the boys to give it a right good go. They have the backing of
.Sammy Moore are two of the Under-18s aiming to make an impression. Dan, who is a first-year scholar, told Dons Player that he models his game on last season’s player of the year (right)Oluseyi Daley (pictured to the left of Mark Robinson above) and Dan Pearse
“I have been compared to Sammy,” the 16-year-old said. “That is a good comparison for me as Sammy is a favourite with the fans and I think I am a similar type of midfielder. My ambition is to be good enough to be offered a professional contract and then try and break into the first-team squad. I joined Wimbledon when I was 14 and tomorrow night is a big chance for me to make an impression.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch a full video interview with Dan Pearse, Mark Robinson and Oluseyi Daley on our premium site.
are three players in tomorrow night’s squad with League 2 experience.Frankie Merrifield and Seb Brown, Huw Johnson
The full squad for tomorrow night is as follows: Seb Brown, Jack Greenaway, Greg Hayden, Kieran Tarbie, Oluseyi Daley, Owen Roberts, Matt Cunnington, Frankie Merrifield, Dan Pearse, Chace Jacquart, Charlie Fayers, Huw Johnson, Tom Beere, Sam Baffour, George Oakley, Harlen Basker.
Admission prices for tomorrow’s match (7.45pm kick-off) are: Adults £8, £4 concessions and £1 for juniors.