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The young Dons moved into the semi final of the Ryman Youth Cup with a gritty 1 - 0 win away at Brentwood Town.
Due to the Suburban League cup final on Thursday Harry Knock, Jake Hill, Matt Harmsworth and Pete Rapson were all rested. Gary Tyson started up front with Ollie Killick whilst Daniel Coveley came in at left back.
On a massive bumpy pitch good football was always going to be difficult but the young Dons consistently tried to play the ball on the ground whilst Brentwood lumped everything forward early. AFC were in the acendency in the early stages of the game but their good play did not end up testing the home custodian too much as shots were too often off target. James Stenning and particually Jordan Hutchinson were constant threats on the wings whilst the back four looked pretty solid. With half an hour gone Jack Turner made his first save of the night when he flew to his left to superbly tip round a Brentwood shot. Brentwood played mainly on the counter as AFC kept possession better than their opponents. With half time approaching a Tom Tollady drive was just wide as AFC tried to press home their advantage in possession.
An injury to Callum Wellburn meant a change at half time as Jake Hill replaced him from the bench.
Half Time 0 - 0
AFC were told to be patient at half time and their chance would come. Defensively they looked in control although after 15 minutes of the second half Brentwood should have scored when a cross from the left was missed close in by the forward. This seemed to spur on the young Dons and they again went after Brentwood, a fine cross from James Stenning should have been put away by Gary Tyson but his header went just wide. Ollie Killick was replaced by Timi Borges-Da-Silva after 62 minutes. Jack Stafford then went close and Borges-Da-Silva also nearly converted close in but failed to connect properly. Gary Tyson was then replaced by Josh Ayres after 78 minutes and it was his assist that led to the winner late on. AFC looked the fitter side and their patience finally paid off when a cross field ball from left to right saw Ayres muscle his way to the by-line before pulling the ball back to Timi Borges-Da-Silva to finish well in the final minute. Credit must go to the whole team for an excellent battling performance with alot of patience. This was a tough encounter against a decent side who were unbeated in their last 10 games. Well done Boys!
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