AFC Wimbledon emerged as comfortable 4-0 winners at Imber Court this evening as we made it back-to-back wins in pre-season.
Following our narrow 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday, tonight’s match was the perfect opportunity to show our ruthless streak in front of goal – and it was certainly a chance we took in our stride.
First, Paris Lock finished off a well-worked team move to set us on our way heading into the break, before three second-half goals – including a stunning free-kick from Jake Reeves – capped off the evening strongly.
Josh Davison and Josh Neufville were the other names on target, as we shared the goals around well ahead of sterner tests to come.
Johnnie Jackson made multiple changes for the game at Imber Court, with Nik Tzanev coming in to start along with the likes of Huseyin Biler and Harry Pell – who both didn’t feature in Spain.
Meanwhile our bench took on more of a youthful look, with Under-18s Kai Jennings, Leo Young, Mathias Tepe and Tom Wilson all being named.
Lock and Ryan McLean provided good outlets on the flanks in the opening stages, with Pell pushed up just behind Aron Sasu – creating a front four at times. And it was to be Lock who would open the scoring as he met Biler’s cutback from just inside the area.
Morgan Williams was also impressing in the first-half, pressing the opposition high and winning the ball back in key attacking areas. Pell and Sasu were next to work the home goalkeeper in quick succession, with both of their low efforts being well matched.
McLean was also denied from close range as the flurry of Wimbledon chances continued. Lock almost added to his opener as his effort was deflected over the crossbar.
Pell was then presented with an even better chance as he headed over a corner from a few yards out. McLean also had another opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet as he attempted to round the keeper before seeing his effort tipped wide.
The Dons made three changes at the break as Omar Bugiel, Alfie Bendle and Isaac Ogundere replaced Pell, Alex Woodyard and Biler.
Lock was into his stride early on again as he saw an effort deflected into the arms of the Met Police number one. A further seven changes were made as the likes of Jake Reeves, Josh Davison and James Tilley all made their way onto the pitch.
A brilliant cross-field ball from Reeves brought about our second goal of the night, with Josh Neufville collecting the pass before being downed in the penalty box. This saw the referee point to the spot, allowing Davison to tuck home the resulting spotkick with the minimum of fuss.
Reeves then turned scorer for our third as he curled home a beauty of a free-kick from just outside the area. Davison almost had a brace shortly after as his header was tipped over well. Tilley and Alfie Bendle also worked the keeper as we looked to continue our ruthless streak.
Neufville got on the scoresheet shortly after, smashing high into the net from close range as a loose ball came his way. This completed the scoring on the night as we now look ahead to our third pre-season fixture against Woking this coming Saturday.
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Huseyin Biler (Isaac Ogundere), Lee Brown (Jack Currie), Harry Pell (Omar Bugiel), Alex Woodyard (Alfie Bendle), Alex Pearce (Mathias Tepe), Ryan McLean (James Tilley), Paris Lock (Josh Neufville), Morgan Williams (Jake Reeves), Aron Sasu (Josh Davison), Joe Lewis (Ryan Johnson)
PICS: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)