AFC Wimbledon defeated Portsmouth 1-0 on Tuesday night, thanks to an own goal as we extended our unbeaten pre-season run.
Ali Al-Hamadi was in bright form on his return to action and played a key role in the decisive moment, with his cross being turned into Pompey’s net by one of their own men.
Aside from that first-half strike it was the Dons who had the better of the chances, with Aron Sasu working the keeper on several occasions.
Meanwhile, Armani Little got some much needed minutes under his belt as he also featured for the first time since resigning for us.
We once again saw off higher league opposition and can be extremely satisfied with our night’s work as we limited the visitors to very little chances.
Johnnie Jackson made wholesale changes to the starting eleven for this game, with the likes of Al-Hamadi – making his first appearance since the back end of last season – Ethan Sutcliffe and Little all coming in. Meanwhile our tenth summer signing, James Ball, was named amongst the substitutes.
Portsmouth named an experienced side for the match, with former Wimbledon loanee Ryley Towler making his return to the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
After a quiet opening 25 minutes it was the Dons who took the lead with Al-Hamadi being the chief creator. Our forward picked up the ball on the right-hand side before turning Towler inside out and then delivering a low cross that was deflected into the net by a Pompey defender.
Lee Brown whipped in another delivery that Al-Hamadi could only head at William Norris, before Aron Sasu tested the keeper again soon after.
Ball replaced Little at the break, adding even more height in midfield, whilst Joe Lewis was brought on at right-back. Sasu threatened again not long after the interval as he saw his low effort thwarted by Norris. Nik Tzanev then had to be alert to keep out a low effort from Tom Lowery as Pompey grew into the contest.
Brown was also called into action as he blocked a goal bound strike. Up the other end substitute Jake Reeves fired wide from distance in what proved to be the final action of the game.
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Lee Brown, Harry Pell (Omar Bugiel), Ali Al-Hamadi (Josh Davison), Armani Little (James Ball), Alex Pearce (Ryan Johnson), Ryan McLean (James Tilley), Alfie Bendle (Jake Reeves), Ethan Sutcliffe (Isaac Ogundere), Aron Sasu (Josh Neufville), Trialist (Joe Lewis)
Attendance: 3,047 (1,215 away)
PICS: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)