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AFC wimbledon reached their second cup final this season as they beat Tonbridge Angels on penalties in the Ryman Youth Cup.
This was a gruelling encounter against a team that should secure the Ryman Youth South Division.
With injuries and suspensions mounting AFC were forced into making changes for this game but the squad is strong and the players were focussed on winning.
Both teams were positive from the start with the Young Dons making the better start creating some good chances from corners. Jordan Hutchinson and James Stenning caused Tonbridge problems on the flanks and AFC should have gone ahead as Stenning broke the offside trap before firing past the keeper but also past the post. Wimbledon then had a header cleared off the line as they again went close. Tonbridge grew in confidence as the half wore on and tested the AFC defence who again were very solid.
Half Time 0 - 0
The second half was again a tight affair with chances difficult to come by. both sides were determined to play passing football and were a credit to the league. Half chances came and went as tiredness began to creep in. Borges-Da-Silva and Hutchinson were replaced late on by Moses odubajo and Callum Dunne as AFC tried to find that elusive goal.
Full Time 0 - 0
In extra time both teams looked to try and win the game. The Tonbridge keeper having a fine game with the ball seemingly like a magnet to him. Extra time failed to find a winner and now it was down to the lottery of penalties.
AFC won the toss and decided to take first penalty, James Stenning firing high into the top corner, Tonbridge replied sending Jack Turner the wrong way. Skipper Jack Stafford stepped up and calmly slotted his penalty before Tonbridge again scored theirs. Harry Knock took AFC's third penalty and again this was too good for the Tonbridge stopper. Tonbridge then stepped up and hit the bar with their third penalty. Charlie Clark-Gleave stepped up for AFC's crucial fourth penalty and he scored. Tonbridge then took their fourth and again hit the bar to cue celebrations for the AFC players.
This was another fantastic effort from the players as they had a tough game on Monday at Staines and had a fair few niggling injuries within the team tonight but again their spirit shone through as they reached another milestone this season.
