Mark Robinson was far from pleased with the latest performance from the Under-18s and he is demanding more from his players against Luton Town at home on Saturday.
The young Dons were beaten 3-1 at Peterborough last time out, producing a performance that fell below the standards Mark expects from them.
"They had a lad up front who must have covered the amount of distance of four of our players and that hurts," said Mark. "Yes, we want to play exciting, possession-based football, and for all of our players to develop and flourish by having to look after the ball and use it well, but a certain level of work-rate, competitiveness, robustness, and character needs to be shown every week, even if you are not performing to your best. With the exception of a few, we were miles off that, and that needs to be dealt with quickly."
A report from Saturday's match at Peterborough is published below.
The game started at a fast pace, with both teams vying to take control of the game. The first real chance fell to Posh, and Reuben Collins (pictured) did well to block it. The Dons looked a threat getting in behind, with good movement from Bobby Mills and Donte Lodge Francis, the latter showing excellent hold-up play as well. The game was now end to end, with Peterborough creating the clearer chances, but Wimbledon still carried a threat. Gradually the Dons got more of a grip on the game, and Reece Weekes and Tyler Burey had good moments out wide as the Dons started to stretch their opponents.
On 27 minutes, the Dons were caught out of shape, and a last-ditch challenge resulted in a penalty for Posh. Fortunately for the Dons, the spot-kick hit the underside of the crossbar, and the follow-up, which was headed goalwards, was brilliantly cleared off the line by Collins. The missed penalty seemed to lift the Dons, and they really took control of the game. Excellent chances were creates for Jack Rudoni, Bobby Mills, Ayoub Assal and Collins, but the scoreline remained 0–0 at half-time.
Peterborough started the second half brighter and took the lead after a well-worked move that was finished excellently by Rudman from 12 yards. Posh now enjoyed the better of the game, but on 61 minutes the Dons drew level when a great run by Burey ended with a cross that was finished well by Zachary Robinson.
The Dons were now well on top, with Rudoni pulling the strings in midfield. It seemed only a matter of time before the Dons took the lead, but they started to get sloppy in their play, and that gave Posh a little more momentum. On 74 minutes Wimbledon surrendered possession too easily, and a brilliant counter and finish by Posh striker Shackleton gave them the lead. The rest of the game belonged to Posh, and an 85th-minute corner that swung straight into the net sealed their victory.