Teenage talent Dylan Adjei-Hersey has shown his potential with important cup goals this season - and Rob Tuvey said that he's earned his chance to shine.
Dylan, a second year scholar who joined us eight years ago, starred in the FA Youth Cup games versus Burnley and Spurs after scoring a superb winner at AFC Sudbury. His progress continued in midweek with another goal in the 4-0 London Senior Cup win at Cockfosters. Rob Tuvey, who will take charge of team matters for our semi-final tie at Plough Lane against Cray Valley Paper Mills (2.00 pm kick-off on Saturday), said that Dylan has earned his opportunities.
“Dylan is a big game player and he always steps up when it comes to the big occasion," said Rob. "In the last round of this competition I thought he was fantastic and his performances recently for James (Oliver-Pearce) with the Under-18s has merited his chance to be involved in the London Senior Cup squad. He’s a mainstay of this squad, and he will be involved for the test event as well. That speaks volumes for his performances this season.
“Dylan is very attacking and he has goals in him. He is good in one versus ones, but his work-rate for the side is absolutely brilliant as well. He has really worked on that in the past few years and you can really see his defensive attributes coming through. He is a real threat and can play in any of the positions across the front four.”
Southern Counties East Football League side Cray Valley are likely to provide a sterner test than in midweek for Wimbledon. In December 2019 they were only just edged out by a young Dons side in the same competition on penalties and in recent seasons they have reached the FA Vase Final.
Dylan said: “I think it’s important that we show these teams respect. Once we score one goal we want to score another, not just sit back and keep possession. From a personal perspective, it’s good to get on the scoresheet and contribute to the team. That’s what I’m here to do.
“It’s great to play at Plough Lane, but obviously it will be well better with the fans. Hopefully, I will be able to do that soon.”
Rob added: “I thought we were very professional in the way we went about the game the other night. We dictated the tempo of the game from the start and I said to the boys that the first half an hour is a true reflection of those sorts of games as both teams are fresh.
"It will be a tougher test on Saturday as we played them in the London Senior Cup last year and we went through on penalties. I’ve had a few people calling me up to say that it’s going to be a tough test. We will prepare properly as it’s a competition we want to go all the way in.”
We are planning to put on a live stream of Saturday's game at Plough Lane. Please keep an eye on our social media channels tomorrow for more details.