Our Under-18s hit the heights on Saturday with Jola Lahan leading the charge to an emphatic victory.
Simon Clark’s first victory as manager was secured in emphatic style at New Malden as the young Dons swept aside Stevenage with a 5-0 win.
On one of the hottest days of the year, the Dons made light of the sweltering conditions with a performance that offered the perfect response after an opening day 1-0 defeat versus Luton.
When Stevenage’s attack turned up the heat early on, our defence remained cool and dealt with the danger. Credit also to goalkeeper Harry Griffiths, who remained a commanding presence throughout the 90 minutes.
The Dons clicked into gear as an attacking force and the opening goal arrived following excellent build-up play. Jola Lahan (pictured above celebrating his goal) met an inch-perfect cross and headed home at the back post.
There was even better to come from Wimbledon before the break. After winning possession through pressing the Stevenage backline, Remi Onabanjo found the back of the net to double the advantage.
Wimbledon’s third was similar to the second of the afternoon. Morgan Williams reacted quickest to a sloppy pass from a Stevenage defender, before a smart move involving Onabanjo ended with Reuban Amissah slotting home at the back post.
The visitors did show signs of improvement in the second-half, but there was no end product, and their frustration grew when they conceded a penalty. Tom Wilson subsequently made no mistake to make it 4-0.
A well-worked fifth goal put the icing on the cake for Wimbledon. Following a good move, Wilson set-up Aron Sasu, who held off a Stevenage defender before finishing clinically.