In focus: AFC Wimbledon

16 October 2020

Take a closer look at Town's next opposition - AFC Wimbledon.

Shrewsbury Town Football Club travel to AFC Wimbledon’s temporary home this weekend for Town’s latest Sky Bet League One fixture at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

The Dons have started their season strongly with two wins, two draws, and only one loss – results that see Glyn Hodges men sit 10^th in the Sky Bet League One table.

We take a look at the Dons key threats as Salop look to earn three points away from home.

Name: AFC Wimbledon

Founded: 2002 (Re-formed)

Stadium: Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium* (18,439 capacity).

Biggest win: 9–0 v Slough Town, 2007, Isthmian League Premier Division.

Biggest loss: 5–0 v York City, 2010, Conference Premier.

Highest league finish: Football League One 15^th, 2016–17.

The Manager – Glyn Hodges

Glyn Hodges first joined AFC Wimbledon as Wally Downes’ Assistant in December 2018. However, Hodges took the hot seat for the Dons in September 2019.

His previous managerial experiences came during two caretaker spells with Barnsley – as well as taking charge of Stoke City’s under-23 side. His coaching career has also seen him spend time with Leeds United, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and the Welsh national team.

During his playing career, the midfielder accumulated over 600 appearances in senior men’s football – including over 250 appearances with his current club. His current overall win percentage as a manager sits at 29%.

Goalkeeper – Connal Trueman

Connal Trueman joined the Dons at the start of the current season from Sky Bet Championship outfit Birmingham City on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper began his career with the Blues and has spent time out on loan with Leamington and Solihull Moors and will now look to kick on in the Football League.

Defender – Luke O’Neill

Right-back, Luke O’Neill signed for Glyn Hodges in July 2019 after being released by Gillingham. A former England U17 international, the defender started his career with Leicester City before moving to Mansfield Town for the 2011/12 season. A transfer to Burnley followed, but regular right-back Kieran Trippier kept him out of the first team. During his three seasons at Turf Moor, he spent time on loan at York City, Southend United, Scunthorpe United and Leyton Orient. A permanent move to Southend came in September 2015, and in June 2017 he switched to Gillingham.

Midfielder – Alex Woodyard

Alex Woodyard joined the Dons at the start of the 2020 season having left Peterborough United. The Dons number four started his career in the youth system of Charlton Athletic but moved to Southend United as a sixteen-year-old in 2010 - starting a two-year scholarship where he enjoyed his first taste of senior football.

The experienced midfielder has represented a number of clubs over a 10-year career to date. Clubs including Braintree Town, Dartford, Lincoln City, and Tranmere Rovers amongst others. Woodyard has also racked up two yellow cards this season.

Forward – Ryan Longman

The Dons secured the services of Ryan Longman from Brighton on loan at the start of the season and the forward has so far lived up to his potential. In five Sky Bet League One appearances, the forward has netted twice already for his team.

The 19-year-old, born in 2000, made his Seagulls debut for his parent club in a 3-1 EFL Trophy defeat in 2019 against Aston Villa and is now enjoying his first taste of regular first-team senior football with the southern outfit.

Match Reports

Match report: AFC Wimbledon 0 Shrewsbury Town 1

17 October 2020

Salop earn three points on the road with a one-goal win over AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons: Connal Trueman, Luke O’Neill, Daniel Csoka, Alex Woodyard, Terell Thomas, Ethan Chislett, Jaakko Oksanen, Shane McLoughlin, Ryan Longman (Adam Roscrow, 83), Joe Piggot, Steve Seddon.

Subs: Nik Tzanev, Cheye Alexander, Adam Roscrow, Jack Rudoni, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Paul Kalambayi, Callum Reilly.

Town: Deyan Iliev, Ro-Shaun Williams, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Aaron Pierre, Scott Golbourne, Ollie Norburn, Jan Zamburek (Brad Walker, 63), Josh Vela, Jason Cummings (Daniel Udoh, 76), Leon Clarke, Ryan Barnett (Scott High, 84).

Subs: Harry Burgoyne, Scott High, Brad Walker, Josh Daniels, Shilow Tracey, Daniel Udoh, Charlie Caton.

Referee: Joshua Smith

Assistants: Adrian Waters and Michael George

Fourth official: Lee Venamore

Shrewsbury Town earn all three points on the road after a late goal from Town forward Leon Clarke. The first 20 minutes of Town’s afternoon in London got underway with very limited action.

Both sides continually tried to establish themselves in the game but both defences remained strong. Aaron Pierre’s aerial dominance was there to see as any long balls were swiftly dealt with.

The home side came inches away from taking the lead just before the 30-minute mark. Ryan Longman fired a powerful shot across goal but saw his effort whistle past the post.

The second-half started in polar-opposite to the first. Town nearly took the lead through Jason Cummings with seconds on the clock. The forward struck towards goal but unfortunately saw his effort blocked by the defender.

Deyan Iliev was called into action with 70 minutes on the clock. Town’s shot-stopper had to stretch in order to meet a powerfully driven shot from range. Iliev got a strong hand to the ball to clear it away from danger.

Salop finally found the breakthrough in the dying moments of the game. Leon Clarke jumped well to meet a corner kick and his header found its way into the back of the net to give his team the lead.

Despite a tough few final minutes where Town’s defensive resolve was tested, the Shrews managed to see the game out to earn all three points on the road.

Bookings:

Ethan Ebanks-Landell was shown a yellow card in the 24^th minute for a foul in the final third.

Aaron Pierre was also shown a yellow for a pull-back in Town’s half.

A Dons booking for Jaakko Oksanen due to a late challenge on Scott Golbourne.