AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s exited the FA Youth Cup with their heads held high as we pushed Sheffield United all the way.
After seeing off Cambridge United, Stevenage and Blackburn Rovers the Dons were bidding to claim another scalp in a competition which holds so much history for us.
A tough challenge against the Blades presented itself however Simon Clarke’s men stood up well and on another night could well have caused an upset had we exploited openings more clinically.
Ultimately it wasn’t to be, however our young side can hold their heads up high after a promising performance away from home against higher league opposition.
The Dons lined up with Max Foulkes in goal, guarded by Ollie Downs, Riley Horan, Bailey Cotton and captain Leo Young. Harry Sidwell and Kai Jennings made up a midfield duo whilst Ed Leach, Junior Nkeng and Tom Wilson played behind striker Justin Clarke.
In the opening five minutes Wimbledon were forced into dealing with an early Sheffield United corner which saw the ball fall to Nkeng on the edge of his own area. He took responsibility, driving from one box to the other before shifting the ball on to his right boot and seeing his shot blocked well.
The 32,000-seat Premier League stadium may have proved intimidating for some but not for our side who were playing with real attacking intent from the off. An intricate corner routine saw Sidwell become the next player to work space for a strike, although his effort was also well blocked.
As the half progressed, the game opened up, seeing the home side enjoying more of the ball. However, the Dons continued to look a threat on the counter attack with Nkeng, Wilson and Clarke in particular causing discomfort for the Blades’ backline. The clearest chance of the first 45 though fell to United’s striker Jevan Beattie who received a low cross and blazed the ball over the bar from no more than 10 yards out. Half-time saw both sides head in level.
Foulkes was called into action only minutes after the restart, stretching out a strong right arm to deny a well-struck effort from a red and white shirt.
The Dons had to endure a tough spell in this second-half as the home side hurled a flurry of attacks towards Foulkes’ net. Despite some fantastic saves and the backlines’ best efforts, notably some fierce blocks from Jennings and Horan, the Blades took the lead via a cross that we failed to deal with. Harry Hedges, Kelvin Kargbo and Shaun Soukou were called upon to replace Nkeng, Downs and Wilson who only recently returned from injury.
Even with a late goal-mouth scramble, the Dons couldn’t find the equaliser before the full-time whistle. This marked the end of an impressive three-round cup run, which was fought with passion, grit, and togetherness: a journey to no doubt be proud of.
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s: Max Foulkes, Ollie Downs (Shaun Soukou), Harry Sidwell, Leo Young, Kai Jennings, Tom Wilson (Harry Hedges), Bailey Cotton, Riley Horan, Ed Leach, Jake Lawrence, Junior Nkeng (Kelvin Kargbo)
PICS: Simon Davies (Pro Sports Images)