Coach maintains belief that U-18s squad can turn it around
Two late goals condemned AFC Wimbledon Under-18s to defeat at Stevenage, but assistant manager James Oliver-Pearce said it was an encouraging display.
A goal from Jayden Antwi (pictured) appeared to have secured a point on Saturday, but it eventually ended up in a 3-1 defeat for the Dons.
“There were a lot of positives to take from this game with some exciting football combined with good chances in the second half,” said James. “We must focus on cutting out the individual errors and ensure teams have to work harder to score. We have to keep striving to do the right things and we know that these good performances will turn into good results."
Wimbledon started well, having some good possession, but a loose ball in midfield allowed Stevenage to make a break that resulted in the opening goal in the sixth minute. It appeared that Luke Slater had been forced too wide, but his shot from a tight angle caught out Dons keeper Joe Bursik and crept in at the near post.
minute after a header down by Osaze Urhoghide. The young Dons started the second-half with a much greater intent and earned reward with an equaliser. Reece Williams-Bowers beat a couple of defenders in the box before being stopped, but Antwi pounced on a half clearance to strike home from 20 yards.thDuring an even first-half, few chances were created, but Antwi headed against a post in the 44
Wimbledon dominated the majority of the second-half with Antwi, Williams-Bowers and Nathan Wood all going close to putting the Dons in front. Despite the dominance, it was Stevenage who regained the lead in the 89th minute when a cross from the right found the unmarked Mick Cregan, who headed home. As the Dons pushed for an equaliser, it left gaps at the back and Cregan got on the end of a long ball to notch a quick-fire double and seal victory for Stevenage.