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Saturday 04 October 2003 Surrey U14 Cup
AFC Wimbledon
2
-
1
Walton & Hersham Reserves
Match report
Two second-half goals saw Wimbledon through to the third round of the League Cup after they fought back from a half time deficit.
The first-half saw a disappointing performance from the Dons as they gave away possession too easily, and put themselves under unnecessary pressure. As early as the tenth minute, the ball was lost just outside the penalty area and the defence had Courtney to thank as he thwarted the Walton forward in a one-on-one situation. Three minutes from half time the inevitable occurred when the home side crossed from the right and the attacker rose unchallenged to glance the ball into the net.
The Dons switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Lee Sidwell playing up front alongside Luffman. This almost immediately brought dividends, as Sidwell's powerful shot from outside the area was spilled by the keeper but there was no forward close enough to take advantage. Fifteen minutes into the half the Dons equalised when Sidwell's long cross from the left was met by Taylor, who timed his run and jump to perfection to head past the helpless goalkeeper. The equaliser changed the balance of the game as the Dons won more of the ball in midfield and on 70 minutes they went ahead. Fernandes' shot from outside the area fell to Ward, who controlled the ball and produced a sublime chip over the keeper. The home side pressed for their own equaliser and five minutes from time, Courtney produced a superb save, pushing the forward's shot onto the bar.
Dave Wager said: "This was a very good result against a strong Walton & Hersham side. After a mediocre first half, our commitment and work rate in the second half was outstanding. And you won't see a better goal than Wardy's all season."
