AFC Wimbledon celebrates the dedicated work of its volunteers on Saturday and Wally Downes said he will be reminding his players about their valuable contributions since the club was reformed.
The Dons will be aiming to take another step towards League One survival at the Kassam Stadium, a match that marks the annual Volunteers’ Away Day. Around 100 volunteers will be treated to free tickets for the game, coach travel, and a meal at a nearby hotel, in an event sponsored by Cherry Red Records.
Wally’s boys will be roared on by an impressive Dons travelling support at Oxford with 800 tickets having been snapped up in advance. You can still buy on the day (cash only), but please see below for more details.
Wimbledon will be seeking to end Oxford’s prolific run of form with the U’s having won their last four League One matches. Below are quotes from both managers, plus stats, ticket information, and a recap of previous battles.
Wally Downes
“It was volunteers that started the club up on Wimbledon Common, so if you trace it back it’s absolutely fundamental to what the whole place is about. People dig in and do their bit. It may be unsung, but certainly not by me, and I will make sure the players appreciate that as well. It was founded on volunteers who wanted to rebuild the club, and they did their job. It’s been maintained and long may it continue.”
“I remember a game not long ago when if we’d won and they (Oxford) had lost we would have jumped above them, so what they’ve done in a short space of time has been terrific, but we are playing well too. It’s going to be a good game. The boys are playing well and they seem to be enjoying training. They have got to enjoy what they are doing. When I spoke to them the other day I said that they have to be in the ‘now’. You have got to enjoy what you are going to be a part of. Enjoy what you are doing and creating, giving yourself a chance, and look forward to the next game.”
Karl Robinson
“The manager and his assistant have obviously worked tirelessly to put them into a position where they’re hard to beat. They have set pieces where they can hurt you and certain running patterns that make it difficult for you to defend. You’ll see a game on Saturday which will be hard for us.
“We’re going to have to be patient in that and overcome a very resolute, honest, talented, hard-working AFC Wimbledon team. The manager has galvanised them and deserves all the plaudits.”
Team News
Steve Seddon is set to be included in the Wimbledon squad after shaking off the ankle injury that caused him to be withdrawn towards the end of the home match against Accrington Stanley. For Oxford, Marcus Browne and Ahmed Kashi will miss out due to suspensions. Browne was given a straight red card for a rash challenge in first-half injury-time during the win at Walsall and Kashi, who had been booked and then substituted, was shown a second yellow for coming onto the field to celebrate the final goal.
Tickets
We have sold out of our online pre-sale allocation of 800. If you have not already bought a ticket, you can still buy one on the day (cash only). Please factor in extra time and get to the Kassam Stadium early. Dons fans will be located at the west end of the North Stand. The away fans' ticket office is by the west turnstiles in the North Stand. We will have a big following on Saturday and recommend getting to the game nice and early to avoid any delays. Please note you can no longer buy a ticket in advance. However, you can buy on the day (cash only) at the following prices:
- Adult (£24)
- Over 65 (£17)
- 18-21 (£16)
- Under 18s (£14)
- Under 13s (£10)
- Under 7s (£6)
Last time out
Walsall 1-3 Oxford United
AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Previous meetings
AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Oxford (29 September 2018)
The Dons marched into a 2-0 lead just after the half hour mark through goals from Scott Wagstaff (pictured scoring above) and Joe Pigott. That proved to be just enough in the end after Cameron Brannagan had halved the deficit just before half-time. Watch the highlights from that game by clicking on the link below.
AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Oxford (10 March 2018)
Lyle Taylor’s 32nd minute goal was cancelled out by a goal from Todd Kane six minutes later, but Jon Meades popped up to score a second-half winner against his former club.
Oxford United 3-0 AFC Wimbledon (7 October 2017)
Goals from Wes Thomas, Ricardinho, and Xemi Fernandez earned a comfortable win for the hosts. With Oxford 1-0 up at the break, the match turned on a short spell at the start of the second-half when Simon Eastwood made a brilliant save to deny Cody McDonald. Just seconds later, Oxford doubled the advantage through Richardinho.
Match Coverage
If you’re not attending the game, stay in touch by listening to full match commentary from WDON commentators Rob Cornell and Mikey T. Coverage can be accessed via our iFollow channel with overseas subscribers having the option of watching a live video stream.