Our Under-17s showed maturity beyond their years to secure national cup glory on a proud night for everyone connected with AFC Wimbledon.
Goals by Joe Kirby and Harry Hedges won the EFL Floodlit Cup, as Blackpool were defeated 2-0 by a Dons side that produced a mature performance.
After an impressive cup run that included a 4-1 victory versus Cheltenham, playing in front of a crowd at Plough Lane could have been a step too far, but there were no signs of stage fright.
Two fantastically taken goals - either side of the half-time interval - by midfielders Kirby and Hedges proved crucial, but, of course, that only provided a platform to victory and the job had to be finished off with resilience to defy Blackpool’s challenge. A confident and astute performance, seemingly older than their years, was deployed by our squad, with a gritty second-half display allowing us to bring the trophy home.
The Dons lined up with Ethan McGrath in goal, protected by Sam Goma, Bailey Cotton, Shawn Soukou and captain Riley Horan. Connor Harris, Joe Kirby and Harry Hedges formed the midfield trio, with Ed Leach and Junior Nkeng flanking Kai Mackenzie.
The Dons started with an abundance of positivity, progressing the ball well up the pitch at any given opportunity. Kirby was the first to get a shot off, striking a ball from the edge of the area, but he could only watch it glide over Blackpool’s crossbar.
Cotton was next to get a strike off, as the ball emerged from a congested penalty area, our right-back’s low effort from the edge of the box sending the ball whistling narrowly wide.
A goal for the home side looked inevitable and the Dons took the lead in style. Nkeng, who had been all-action up to this point, picked up the ball on the left flank before turning cleverly and losing his marker. Kirby received from his team-mate just inside the box and curled an effort low into the bottom left corner before wheeling off to celebrate.
Although Blackpool grew into the game from this moment on, they failed to pose any real threat to McGrath’s goal - an effort headed wide by Tukudzwa Gwanzura the closest that they came. The boys in yellow and blue did regain momentum before the interval - a barrage of corners resulting in a nervous end for the visitors.
The Dons started the second-half as they did the first, with attacking intent that resulted in the lead doubled. A counter-attack allowed Mackenzie to break free with acres of space to run into, before he conjured up a clinical pass that opened up Blackpool. Hedges provided the finish it deserved by slotting home the all-important second after showing impressive control.
There was still work to do and the Dons had to take their turn to defend as the visitors ramped up their efforts to claw a goal back. McGrath was called into action for the first time, getting down low to make a smart stop to deny Layton Campbell.
Simon Clark turned to his bench and called upon Finlay Woods, Amaari Sealey and Daniel Brobbery to replace Nkeng, Mackenzie and Harris respectively, who had all picked up knocks in the second period. Our subs were thrust straight into action, defending our two-goal advantage with no shortage of grit, determination and camaraderie.
Ultimately, the defensive side of our game was executed perfectly, and a vital clean sheet was maintained, thanks to a defiant backline, well marshalled by captain Horan, and that earned a deserved double for our Under-17s after winning the league this season. Whatever this talented generation go on to achieve in their careers, they’ll never forget this memorable night at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
PICS: Kirk Pritchard
