AFC WIMBLEDON 3 HORSHAM 0

HORSHAM U18s:
Joe Lees, Harry Pleece, Dan Bryant, Tom May, Matt Dingle, Michael Dale, Joe Baker (Jordan Williams), Elliott Hawkes, Tiago (Patrick O'Sullivan), Danny Hutchings, Tony Nwachukwu (Darren James)

Horsham travelled to Banstead, the home of AFC Wimbledon Youth, and took a lot of positives from the match despite suffering their third defeat of the season. Manager Ivan Raby was without seven players due to injuries and unavailability and took three players from the under 16 squad as well as giving starting debuts to goalkeeper Joe Lees and striker Tiago.

The teams had already met once this term with the Wombles running out comfortable 6-0 winners at the Atspeed Stadium but, in the opening minutes, Horsham showed they were intent on putting in a better performance against the title favourites. The hard working Hornets were quick to close down any danger and had the best chance to open the scoring when Joe Baker had a good effort well saved by the Dons 'keeper. Wimbledon realised they had a game on and, after settling down, began to create chances but were unable to find a way past 'keeper Lees who pulled off a string of fine saves.

The Horsham back four were also on good form, snuffing out potential danger many times. The Hornets were still in the game, though, and put together a decent spell before half time. Horsham had two chances in a minute when, first, a free-kick was deflected for a corner which resulted in a header from Michael Dale saved by the keeper who was again called upon just before the break to stop a shot from Tiago.

Jordan Williams replaced the injured Baker at half time as Horsham came out determined to keep up the work rate. This half, though, Wimbledon came out and changed gear straight away and with some crisp passing and pace down the left soon made the breakthrough. Horsham needed to regroup quickly but the hosts were keen to keep the pressure on and doubled their lead, five minutes later. Horsham made another change with under 16 striker Patrick O'Sullivan replacing Tiago. As with the first team five days before, the Hornets were just not keeping possession well enough against their hosts and Wimbledon were keeping the ball with ease, at times giving the Horsham midfield the run around. Darren James also made a first appearance in an under 18 shirt when he came on for Tony Nwackukwu as Horsham looked for the goal that would give them hope but the AFC defence were in no mood for handing out presents and it was the Dons who had the final say with an unstoppable effort from 25 yards out to leave the final score 3-0.

Despite the defeat, Raby was upbeat and said " The team worked so hard for each other. We were beaten by a good team but we made them work for it. With so many players missing this was always going to be tough but Horsham Football Club can be very proud of the lads who played tonight."

NEXT MATCH: v Staines Town (h) Monday 29th October