Alan Reeves demands reaction after below-par display
Alan Reeves was disappointed with the performance produced by AFC Wimbledon’s youngsters after defeat to Fulham in the Under-23 Premier League Cup group stage today.
The Dons were beaten 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors match held at Chelsea FC’s training ground and Alan said that his side produced an uncharacteristic performance, lacking the energy and tempo that has been their hallmark this season.
“Normally the boys turn up and have a proper go, getting in the faces of the opposition, but today they (Fulham) could do what they liked,” said Alan. “I hope it hurts them as much as it hurt me. The boys seemed to be down afterwards and we need a reaction in the next game.
“We showed them (Fulham) too much respect and it turned into the game they wanted, rather than what we wanted. They were trying to play the ball out from the back and they did not care if they went backwards with it. We did not do enough of what we are good at, which is playing at a high tempo and pressing. We did not play into George Oakley up front enough and when we did have chances to create something, we did not take them. They were better than us.”
The 2-0 win rounded off an impressive group performance from Fulham as they are now guaranteed top spot.
That did produce a good response from Wimbledon with a chance to hit back following as Egli Kaja’s cross found Toyosi Olusanya, but he headed over the crossbar. minute when Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson set-up Elijah Adebayo and he finished clinically to make it 1-0. thFulham started off on top and their pressure paid off in the 35
A goal from George Williams 11 minutes from time effectively sealed it for Fulham and Wimbledon missed the chance of a consolation when substitute Jayden Antwi’s penalty was saved by Taye Ashby-Hammond.
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Johnville Renee-Pringle, Paul Kalambayi, Toby Sibbick, Seth Owens, Egli Kaja, Dan Gallagher (Judah Chapman), Alfie Egan, Neset Bellikli (Reece Williams-Bowers), Toyosi Olusanya, George Oakley (Jayden Antwi).