The Reserves continue their winning ways

Woking 1 AFC Wimbledon 0
Suburban Football League
Wednesday 7th September 2011

This was a high-tempo contest of real quality. Wimbledon turned up with a power-packed squad that included ex-Woking players Chris Bush and Jerson Dos Santos together with a number of other 1st team squad players, and it was clear from the start that the whole team wanted to impress not only Marcus Gayle, their manager, but also Terry Brown and his team who came down to run the slide rule over some performances.

However, it was a young Woking side who grabbed the initiative from the outset, showing a vigour and intensity of purpose that was not going to be denied.

From the off Woking closed down quickly all over the park, constantly denying a talented Wimbledon side time and space. In fact just 4 minutes gone and some good work down the left witnessed Timmy Taylor whipping in a dangerous cross which found captain Charlie Turnbull bursting into the box and, although his shot went over the crossbar, the early warning signs were there.

Just eleven minutes later it was again Charlie Turnbull who latched onto a loose ball in midfield. He drove forward to exploit the space, then took his shot early to cleverly drill the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the Wimbledon goal.

The first period continued to provide us with a sparkling 45 minutes of football - Connor Close, George Frith and Charlie Turnbull dominated the midfield. Jack Mazzone, supported by Josh Griffiths on the right and Nathan Koranteng on the left, held the ball up well and caused the Wimbledon defence problems throughout. The back four of Stefan Hayles, 16 year-old Isaac Nkosi, Victor Borode and Timmy Taylor were robust and resolute, whilst the very promising Jordan Kennedy in goal was showing us a glimpse of his undoubted talent.

Half-time: Woking 1 Wimbledon 0

As might have been expected, Wimbledon came out in the second period all guns blazing and little by little they began to get a foothold in the match. Jordan Kennedy and the back four were increasingly being called into action, but as Wimbledon pushed forward the Woking youngsters continued to carve out opportunities themselves.

As the game wore on the Woking legs started to tire and Wimbledon came close a couple of times, with questions being asked of Jordan Kennedy but he consistently came up with the right answers.

The game got a little frenetic towards the end with Wimbledon throwing the kitchen sink at the Woking defence but resolute they remained and despite some 5 minutes of added time Woking held on to the three points.

Genuinely, numerous claims for Man of the Match. However, just edging the nominations for his sparkling display:

MOTM: Josh Griffiths (pictured).

Squad: Jordan Kennedy, Timmy Taylor, Victor Borode, Isaac Nkosi, Stefan Hayles, Josh Griffiths, Connor Close, George Frith, Charlie Turnbull, Nathan Koranteng, Jack Mazzone.

Subs: George Milford, Jordan Junior Smith, Jason Cardona Cruz, Seny Diedhiou, Tom Hitch.