Match Report | Cards record clean sheet against League Two opposition

Woking 0-0 AFC Wimbledon
Pre-Season Friendly
15th July 2023

The Laithwaite’s turnstiles were back open for the first time since May, as Woking hosted League Two side AFC Wimbledon. Darren Sarll named three of the six new signings in his starting XI, with two trialists also in his rebuilt side, with a further four on the bench.

In a game with little action for both sides, it was Padraig Amond who had the first-half chance as his free kick went just over the bar.

Moments later, there were shouts for a penalty when Rhys Browne was brought down in the penalty area, but the referee waved away the claims.

It was all Browne though for the remainder of the half, with his first of three attempts coming when he found space for a shot but was blocked at the last minute. His second came after a lovely flick from Amond was played into his path but Alex Bass held his eventual shot. Then just moments later, Browne had a first time shot whistle just wide of the post.

Half-time: Woking 0-0 AFC Wimbledon

The Dons’ first real glance at goal came in the second half when a shot from just inside the Woking half nearly caught out Woking’s second half trialist goalkeeper, but thankfully he was able to make the save.

Browne had his fourth and final involvement just before the hour mark when he drove forward with the ball but could only find the side netting. He covered every blade of grass in his first home cameo of the new season though and the signs are promising for Cards supporters.

One final chance for both teams towards the end involved very quick thinking from both Scott Cuthbert and Bass. The first made a crucial headed clearance from a shot heading on target, with the latter making a stunning last ditch save from an AFC Wimbledon defenders miss timed header.

A good defensive performance from the Cards is another step in the right direction, as they will now prepare to face Welling United next Saturday.

Full Time: Woking 0-0 AFC Wimbledon

Woking Starting XI: Jaaskelainen (46), Moss (60), Wilkinson (60), Taylor (46), Trialist, Kellermann (46), Robinson (60), Trialist, Lewis (60), Amond (60), Browne (60)

Subs: Cuthbert (46), Korboa (60), Grego-Cox (60), Wakefield (60), Willmott (60), Trialist (46), Trialist (46), Trialist (46), Trialist (60)

AFC Wimbledon Starting XI: Bass, Biler, Reeves, Johnson, Tilley, Pell, Davison, Neufville, Bugiel, Currie, Lewis

Subs: Tzanev, Ogundere, Sutcliffe, Pearce, Hallard, Trialist, Bendle, McLean, Lock, Williams, Sasu, Tepe, Ammisah

Attendance: 1,190 (283 away)

Man of the Match: Rhys Browne