Checkatrade Trophy 2017-18, Southern Gp.F
   The Cherry Red Records Stadium, Kingsmeadow
         Tuesday 3rd October 2017, 7.45pm

           WIMBLEDON   v     SPURS
          (All Blue)      (White/Blue)
            4-2-3-1         4-1-3-2

              4(2)            3(2)

Wimbledon(4-2-3-1):– McDonnell; Sibbick, Kennedy, Robinson(C), Charles, Egan, Hartian, Soares(Trotter 46), Kaja, McDonald(Taylor(55), Forrester(Parrett 63)

Unused Subs:- Tzanev, Francomb, Nightingale, Kalaambayi

Scorers:– Sibbick 18, 59, Kaja 38, Parrett 90+2

Spurs(4-1-3-2):– Austin; Marsh, Dinzeyi(Lyons-Foster 70), C. Maghoma, Bennetts; Skipp; Pritchard(C), Amos, S. Shashoua(Griffiths 89); Tracy(Loft 70), Sterling

Unused Subs:- O'Reilly, P. Maghoma

Scorers:– Tracey 16, Shashoua 24, Sterling 58

Referee:– Antony Coggins
Assistants:– Steven Plane & Christopher Wade
Fourth Official:– Ian Fissenden

Attendance:- 608

Spurs travelled to Kingsmeadow on a chilly evening for the second game of the Checkatrade Trophy to take on AFC Wimbledon. Wimbledon beat Barnet 4-3 in their opening group game to top the group as Spurs drew at Luton 2-2 with the "Hatters" taking the extra point 4-2 on penalties. This was the second time I have been to Kingsmeadow as a Spurs XI played Kingstonians in a pre-season friendly in 2013. At that time Wimbledon were just the tenants, now things have reversed.

Spurs lined up with Austin behind Dinzeyi and Maghoma with Marsh at right back and Bennetts on the left. Skipp anchored the midfield with Pritchard, Amos and Shashoua ahead of him in support of Tracey and Sterling up front. The change in formation may have something to do with the scouting trip some of the players made to see Wimbledon play at the weekend or the need to get a result to progress. Neal Ardley rested most of his side from the weekend's game (a home draw against Rochdale) to give squad players a game. While former Spur Andy Barcham was missing Ardley did have Dean Parrett on the bench as well as George Francomb who was a schoolboy at Spurs.

Spurs defended the North end where the Spurs supporters were in the John Green stand. Both sides were evenly matched and played open football which moved from end to end in an entertaining game. Chances were few for a while as both defences did their job well. The first chance fell to the home side when Forrester fired over from the left. Spurs took the lead when Tracey played a one-two with Sterling to get through, scoring low past McDonnell. The lead only lasted for two minutes when, following a corner, Sibbick turned the ball in after Robinson's volley was blocked on the line.

Soares won a corner after his stunning drive was saved by Austin while Pritchard fired over at the other end. Spurs took the lead again when Bennetts got down the left and pulled the ball back for Shashoua to guide it into the far corner. Wimbledon drew level for a second time four minutes later again from a corner. This time Kaja fired in having picked up a half clearance just outside the area. Forrester fired over at the end of the half as both sides went in level.

Wimbledon made one change for the start of the second half which continued as the first ended. Kaja drew a save from Austin before the home side made their second change sending on a second striker.

Bennetts got down the left and crossed for Sterling to convert and put Spurs in front for a third time. The lead only lasted a minute as Sibbick picked up a clearance and advanced, driving low into the net. Austin got a hand to the ball, but could not turn it away. Both sides pushed for a winner with Hartigan firing wide before Parrett came on for Forrester who had a knock. Sterling played in Pritchard who fired over.

Spurs made a double change. Lyons-Foster replaced Dinzeyi at the back and Loft went on for Tracey, going up front whilst Sterling moved to the right of a four-man midfield.

Egan drove wide having been played in by Taylor who then fired over after been played in by Sibbick. Sterling played in Loft but his effort was blocked. Spurs made their last change taking off Shashoua for Griffiths near the end of full time. With a second draw looking likely the winner for Wimbledon came in added time when Taylor was able to turn in the area and cross for Parrett to meet with a glacing header at the near post.

It was a good performance overall for the young Spurs against the League one side and was a better showing than in the previous game against Luton. The last minute defeat was unfortunate and means that they will not progress into the next round. That will be either Wimbledon or Luton who play each other in the final round of group games. Luton drew with Barnet and won the penalty point to go second. Spurs will play Barnet at the Hive in their last group game on the 28th November for the wooden spoon.

Ray

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