Under-18s get among the goals in pre-season
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s started their pre-season in prolific form by striking 18 goals without reply in their first two matches.
The young Dons were too strong for the AFC Wimbledon supporters’ team (both teams are pictured above) in their opening fixture as they won 9-0 with a hat-trick from Neset Bellikli, an own goal and strikes from Egli Kaja, Callum Wilson, Dylan Bahad, Callum Overton and Dan Agyei.
Mark Robinson said: “I had promised Dan Stevens a friendly match for ages and after a week of pre-season training it was the perfect game for the boys to stretch their legs in. It was great for the boys to meet and play against passionate supporters of the club and it was a good work-out for the supporters’ team, who have a tournament coming up soon.”
“It was great to have the opportunity to challenge ourselves against the U-18s and to see for ourselves players who are progressing through the ranks. Mark’s side possess a huge amount of quality - and to be just a single goal down at half-time and 2-0 down after 60 minutes was pleasing from our point of view. Player Manager of the AFC Wimbledon Supporters’ A team, Dan Stevens, said:
“Their ability and organisation meant that we struggled to get anywhere near them and they didn’t let their standards drop, which was a great show of professionalism. I must thank Mark and his boys for playing against us. Of course, they will have tougher tests, but the future for AFC Wimbledon looks very bright on this evidence.
“We head up to Preston for the annual WorldNet tournament in a couple of weeks’ time and we’ll aim to improve on last year’s rather unlucky penalty shoot-out defeat at the last-16 stage.”
suffering a broken leg.Louie CockleThe Under-18s also triumphed 9-0 on Friday against Pro Academies UK (AFC Hayes) in a match overshadowed by a serious injury with
Callum Overton struck a hat-trick with the other goals coming from Neset Bellikli, Dan Ano, Dan Agyei, Callum Wilson, Dylan Bahad and Ryan Sweeney.
The young Dons will face a much tougher challenge on Tuesday in their next pre-season match with AFC Hornchurch providing the opposition.