AFC Wimbledon Under-18s came tantalisingly close to securing all three points at Southend United on Saturday, as the young Dons maintained their good form on the road.
Following the 4-1 win at Stevenage, our Under-18s had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Southend, though they did everything but score in the latter stages. Substitute Aron Sasu had a shot cleared off the line and Troy Chiabi struck just wide with the final chance in a much-improved second-half display.
The young Dons started well at Southend and a move involving Dylan Adjei-Hersey, Ben Mason, and Obed Yeboah (pictured) ended with Quaine Bartley shooting over the crossbar. At the other end, there was a let-off for Wimbledon when goalkeeper Matthew Cox came out of his box to deal with a through ball, but he was unable to clear it convincingly. Fortunately for Wimbledon, Southend were unable to capitalise as the ball was fired over the crossbar. Cox then showed his goalkeeping qualities shortly afterwards by dealing well with a dangerous cross into the box.
Just before the break there was a chance for Wimbledon as Yeboah started a move that led to Chiabi having a shot well saved. The young Dons carried on where they had left off at the start of the second-half and Chiabi’s audacious attempt almost earned reward when his well executed lob flashed just over the crossbar. Wimbledon came even closer when a move involving Tylah Sanchez, Paris Lock and Adjei-Hersey ended with another chance for Chiabi, but he was denied by the keeper, before Sasu’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
In a frantic finale with both sides going all out for the three points, Southend almost won it with a shot that rattled the crossbar, but a slick breakaway by the Dons almost snatched it near the end. Charlie Morgan won the ball in midfield before finding Paris Lock on the wing and his through ball picked out Chiabi, but his shot was just wide of the target.
AFC Wimbledon: Matthew Cox, Ben Mason, Isaac Ogundere (C), Adejola Lahan, Josh Hallard, Hugo Few, Abdi Ali, Quaine Bartley, Troy Chiabi, Dylan Adjei-Hersey, and Obed Yeboah. Subs: Charlie Morgan, Tylah Sanchez, Paris Lock, Aron Sasu, and Ibrahim Bangura.
Take a look at the highlights by clicking on the link below, and also an interview with James Oliver-Pearce and Adejola Lahan.