Superb header sparks win for development side
ontinued his rise through Wimbledon’s ranks with a superb winner for the Under-21 Development squad this afternoon. cNas Majeed
, headed home what turned out to be the winner (picture above) in a 3-2 victory against the Bailey Elite Academy.Michael HamiltonMajeed, who came through AFC Wimbledon’s South Thames College Academy programme under the guidance of head coach
’s side when he made it 1-0 with a smart finish after 11 minutes. However, the Bailey Academy, a highly regarded youth set-up made up of players released by professional clubs, drew level just a minute later when Aaron Beckles pounced after a defensive lapse from Wimbledon.Shaun North provided the spark early on for Youssouf Bamba
also shot just over the crossbar before half-time.Tom Beere dictating matters from the centre of the park. Dan Pearse and Chace Jacquart fired against the crossbar after more good work by Bamba. At this stage, Wimbledon were in complete control with Harry CookseyHowever, there was no stopping tricky forward Bamba from taking centre stage and his skills won a penalty for a Wimbledon that he converted himself to make it 2-1. Wimbledon started to dominate by the midway point of the first-half and they so nearly extended their advantage when trialist
with a header that left the goalkeeper with no chance.Charlie Fayers came so close to making it 3-1 shortly afterwards when he powered through, but he fired just wide of the target. Majeed then entered the fray for Cooksey and it did not take long for him to make an impression. The 17-year-old met a teasing cross from George Oakley replacing him between the sticks. Billy Bishop was involved in an awkward collision and had to be withdrawn with a knee injury, Ashley BayesThere was a blow for Wimbledon in the second-half when goalkeeper
Though the Bailey Academy earned one back in fortuitous fashion when a corner was deflected in, Wimbledon twice came close to adding to their advantage when first Bamba was denied a hat-trick and then Tom Beere also had an effort well saved.
AFC Wimbledon Under-21 Development squad: Ashley Bayes (Billy Bishop), Kieron Tarbie, Will Nightingale (Chris Vlietinck), Oluseyi Daley, Charlie Fayers, Chace Jacquart, Tom Beere, Dan Pearse (Rob Switon), Harry Cooksey (Nas Majeed), George Oakley (Harlan Basker), Youssouf Bamba.
Dons Player subscribers can now watch a video interview with Under-21 Development Coach Shaun North and we will tomorrow feature interviews with Nas Majeed and Dan Pearse.