This is an archive website preserved by the Dons Trust. It has been wrapped for modern browsers and is free of trackers and legacy scripts. The original content is unchanged as much as possible. Some links and features may no longer work.
AFC Wimbledon progressed to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with a convincing victory over Thamesmead Town.
Tilbury away in two weeks' time will be the next test for this promising set of youngsters with the winners in the draw for the First Round proper.
Peter Rapson and Jordaan Brown were brought into the squad to strengthen the side and with regular reserve team players Matt Harmsworth, Jack Turner and Harry Knock also included it was a strong team that went into this game.
An early injury to left back Danny Carter brought about a re-shuffle as Callum Wellburn went to left back and subsitute Dean McQueen, who had another fine game, took his place in the centre of defence.
It was Wimbledon who took the early initiative with Harry Knock providing some excellent deliveries from set plays. Jordaan Brown had a decent opportunity from a Knock corner but his header went over the bar. Next it was Callum Wellburn with an opportunity but he achieved the same fate as Brown.
Matt Harmsworth then fired a shot over before Hutchinson headed across goal, but no one had anticipated the pass. Thamesmead were restricted to breakaways but Jack Turner in goal had everything covered.
The Dons deservedly went ahead in the 33 minute when from a wide free kick another knock delivery was met by the head of Rhys Turner who found the corner of the net.
Half Time 0 - 1
The second half followed the same pattern with Wimbledon the dominant force, but Thamesmead occasionally looking dangerous on the counter. Thamesmead nearly equalised when a cross was headed by the home forward from five yards, only for Jack Turner in goal to pull off a stunning reaction save before grabbing the rebound as well. Rapson then had a chance for Wimbledon as he superbly pulled a high ball out of the air but only found the keeper from his attempted lob.
On 65 minutes AFC Wimbledon did increase their lead when a Knock corner found skipper Callum Wellburn at the far post - he made no mistake with his powerful header into the top corner.
Three minutes later and the tie was over as AFC Wimbledon produced the goal of the game when Hutchinson won the ball in midfield and fed Knock who in turn found Callum Dunne. Dunne's subtle pass picked out Rapson who found Harmsworth just outside the box. Turning away from his defender, Matt Harmsworth hit a sweet shot into the far corner via the post giving the home keeper no chance.
With 16 minutes remaining Rapson was replaced by Juevan Spencer and eight minutes later Harmsworth replaced by Joe Jackson. Thamesmead were beaten but produced their best spell of the game in these last 15 minutes causing a few problems for the Young Dons defence. Twice Thamesmead came close to getting a second but Wimbledon held out to record a good win at a place that is never easy to get a result from.
