Match Day Thread Pompey Academy 8 v 3 Wimbledon Academy

Academy Hit Eight Goals Past AFC Wimbledon - Young Blues finish second in Merit League

please log in to view this image

Pompey Academy eased to an 8-3 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Furze Lane to finish the 2020/21 campaign in style.

The result ensured that the Blues finished runners-up to Bournemouth in the final Merit League standings.

Archie Greenough’s brace gave the hosts a commanding lead and although their opponents pulled one back, Seok Jae Lee pounced on a defensive error to restore the two-goal advantage.

And Pompey ran riot after the interval, with Dan Gifford netting twice, while Harry Jewitt-White, Kristian Dawson and substitute Jamie Howell were also on target.

The Dons got in on the act by scoring two more of their own, but it was ultimately a comfortable win for the Blues.

Professional development phase coach Liam Daish said: “It was a really pleasing performance. We switched to a 3-5-2 system and it worked really well.

“Apart from Lee, it was a team of U17 and U16 players – we’ve spent the last month trying to integrate the new batch of first year scholars into the rest of the group.

“We want them to get to know each other well, so it stands us in good stead for the start of next season.

“They competed well and scored eight goals. We asked them to finish strongly and they didn’t leave anything in the tank.

“It’s been a really tough season for them and we’ve had to improvise at times. It’s hard for staff and players, but everyone just got on with it.

“The lads have adapted brilliantly to the difficult circumstances we’ve faced and I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.”

Pompey: Connor Manderson; Dan Cadman, Issiaga Kaba, Spencer Spurway (Adam Payce 28); Harvey Hughes, Simpson, Harry Jewitt-White, Seok Jae Lee, (Josh Dockerill 67), Kristian Dawson; Archie Greenough (Jamie Howell 67), Dan Gifford

 

Match Highlights:-

 

No, they merely had a clearout of existing youngsters they didn't think were good enough, as they bring the next batch of academy kids through.