Trialist finds net again for under-21s
AFC Wimbledon U-21s had to show plenty of character to dig in for a share of the spoils at Millwall yesterday.
Trialist Charles Weston-Hayles put the Dons ahead in a match played at Millwall’s training ground, but the hosts struck back before the break and it ended 1-1.
The young Dons had to cope with the loss of Ryan Sweeney (pictured in action against Brighton), who suffered a broken nose and had to be taken to hospital, and Reece Batchelor was withdrawn through injury in the second half. Coach Alan Reeves’ plans were also hit before kick-off when George Pilbeam got injured in the pre-match warm-up.
“We had a few injuries on the day and it was a test for us,” said Alan Reeves. “But the boys worked their socks off and we could even have won it near the end as we had a few chances. We had a lot of young lads out there and they equipped themselves well.”
“Dan Gallagher did a great job slotting into centre back in the absence of Ryan,” added Alan.
Wimbledon’s goal on the day came about after a long kick from Joe McDonnell with George Oakley flicking it on for Weston-Hayles, who finished clinically.
.AFC Wimbledon: Joe McDonnell, Reece Batchelor (Jason Stripp), Dom Bongo, Ryan Sweeney (Seanan McKillop), Ben Harrison, Neset Bellikli, Dan Gallagher, Alfie Egan, Egli Kaja, Charles Weston-Hayles (Dan Ano), George Oakley