Hosts triumph after spot kicks
AFC Wimbledon were knocked out of the London Senior Cup last night in a lively encounter at Corinthian-Casuals that was decided on penalties when the game finished goalless at the end of 90 minutes.
The Dons paid the price for failing to convert several good chances, especially in the opening period. As early as the second minute Chace Jacquart hit the post, and five minutes later a superb long diagonal pass from him turned defence into attack, but Dan Agyei could not put the ball away. Jacquart curled a shot just wide of the right post, and David Fitzpatrick’s hard shot from the right edge of the penalty area went high.
Casuals found their feet after 20 minutes, and during an attacking spell Ross Worner did well to get down to his left to stop an effort by Reece Placid. The best chance of the first half fell to Agyei in the 35th minute, but his shot from close range lacked power and was saved by the feet of Casuals keeper Danny Bracken. Just before the interval the Dons won their first corner, but the resulting header struck the post and was gathered by Bracken.
From the restart, the home side looked the more threatening, but Wimbledon continued to look dangerous. On the hour, a hooked shot by Taylor Roles was saved, and when Jacquart was brought down just outside the area he took the free kick himself, but put it wide. Some neat passing down the centre put Agyei through but his shot was saved. At the other end, Worner made some good saves, and it took a great block by Roles to deny Casuals.
With no extra time played, it was down to penalties. Each side put away three of their five spot kicks, Agyei, Fitzpatrick and captain George Pilbeam, all converting for the Dons. And so to sudden death. Callum Wilson’s shot was saved by Bracken, who then stepped up to score himself and send his side though to the next round.
AFC WIMBLEDON: Ross Worner, Callum Wilson, Ben Harrison, Jack Smith (Dan Ano), Taylor Roles, George Pilbeam, David Fitzpatrick, Billy Frost, Dan Agyei, Chace Jacquart, Egli Kaja.
Att: 137