Young striker eager to build on his prolific form
Rising Dons striker George Oakley will tomorrow night be aiming to fire AFC Wimbledon into the London Cup Final after flourishing under Shaun North’s Under-21 development set-up this season.
Oakley, who recently scored all five goals for the Under-18s in a win against Milton Keynes, is likely to lead the line in tomorrow night’s last-four tie at Cray Valley Paper Mills.
The 18-year-old was an unused substitute for Wimbledon at Portsmouth in February and he’s hoping to catch the eye of the first-team management once again after his winner in the last round of the London Cup at Cray Wanderers.
and the full six-minute interview appeared on Dons Player earlier. Oakley’s recent five-goal haul can also still be seen on our You Tube channel.Academy FocusThe centre-forward and his team-mate Egli Kaja spoke to Rob Cornell at the training ground today. Part of this interview can be viewed on our You Tube channel by clicking on
Evaluating his season so far, Oakley, who has been with Wimbledon since the age of 12, said: “I was on the bench for the first-team against Portsmouth and that was a great experience to be involved. I feel that Shaun North has changed my game a lot. There’s more to my game now than just battling against a centre-back. Shaun has taught me a lot more about getting in behind defences and what Neal Ardley looks for in a striker. I’ve got more goals this season so it has all helped me.”
Five of those goals came in the victory against Milton Keynes and Oakley is aiming to build on that against Cray Valley tomorrow night.
“That was a really good performance from the whole team and it was a really big achievement for me because scoring five goals doesn’t happen often,” added Oakley. “We are playing an unknown team tomorrow night, but they will be up for it because they are playing against a League 2 club. We’re expecting a lot of pressing from them and we know that we will have to play quick, sharp football to score goals.”
Egli Kaja, who is only 16 years of age, has linked-up well with Oakley in recent matches and set-up the striker’s winning goal in the last round against Cray Wanderers. Kaja is another player who has earned experience at Under-21 level after coming through the ranks.
“I used to live in Middlesbrough, but my parents decided that moving to London would be best for my education and sport,” said the attacking midfielder. “I had been on trial at the Middlesbrough Academy and I think I was going to get a contract there before we moved. When I came to London I started off with Kingstonian, but then I joined AFC Wimbledon Under-13s.
“It has been great here so far. From a young age Mark Robinson worked with me on the basics, but now he’s developed my game further. Mark has given me a lot of confidence and I’ve really enjoyed it this season.”
The match tomorrow (7.45 pm kick-off) will be held at the following venue: Badger Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London, SE9 5HT. The nearest train station for those planning to travel by public transport is Mottingham BR.
Ticket prices are as follows: Adults £8, Concessions £5 (proof required via student card/OAP pass, Under-16s free if accompanied by an adult.
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with George Oakley and Egli Kaja on our premium site and an in-depth interview with Shaun North will appear later.