AFC Wimbledon

Under-18s emerge with credit after defeat

AFC Wimbledon Under-18s had excellent performances at both ends of the pitch in Saturday’s hard-fought defeat at Portsmouth.

struck a superb goal in the 2-1 Football League Youth Alliance Cup (group round) defeat at Pompey.Billy Frost (pictured) earned Wimbledon’s man of the match award and forward Jordan KnightGoalkeeper

.David WalshDespite the loss, it was also an encouraging team display in defeat according to Under-18s assistant manager

“It was a good game and we fought back well from 2-0 down at half-time,” David said. “The resilience of our players in the second-half was very pleasing. Jordan had a very good game overall and he made cracking saves. Billy’s goal was a stunning free-kick from 25 yards.”

also came close before the break. However, Pompey marched into a 2-0 lead by the half hour mark with a Bradley Tarbuck strike and a goal of the season contender from Ben Close.Callum OvertonThat came after Frost had a first-half free-kick ruled out for offside and

had to be withdrawn with concussion, but he is expected to be given the all-clear to play again soon after being checked out by AFC Wimbledon’s medical team.Chris Vleitinck struck the crossbar. The visitors finished the match with 10 men as Daniel AgyeiIt was a different story after half-time though as Frost halved the deficit in emphatic style and Wimbledon came so close to snatching a draw when

, who produced an encouraging substitute performance, according to Walsh, after stepping up from the Under-16s.Seanan McKillopWimbledon gave an Under-18s debut to young prospect

  AFC Wimbledon: Jordan Knight, Rob Switon (Taylor Roles), Chris Vleitinck, Ryan Sweeney, Callum Wilson (Ben Harrison), Dan Gallagher, Billy Frost, Nas Majeed, Daniel Agyei, Callum Overton, Harlan Basker (Seanan McKillop).