Danny Wright

Cambridge United 1 - 2 AFC Wimbledon

CAMBRIDGE United’s bid to climb away from the relegation zone suffered a blow on Saturday as they were beaten by high-flying AFC Wimbledon.

And though the margin of victory was a narrow one, the scoreline flattered the U’s after a match dominated by Terry Brown’s men.

“I don’t think we deserved anything, though the one thing we did do was stuck at it and showed a little bit of spirit,” said United caretaker boss Jez George.

“You have to give credit to AFC Wimbledon because I think they’re the best side I’ve seen this season, and they gave us a bit of a lesson today.

“The way they passed and moved the ball is something to aspire to, and that’s something that has been built over years with the momentum of promotions.

“They’ve got a really experienced manager who has recruited well, and they have a way of playing that has been bedded down over years rather than months. They play with a pace, tempo, and movement that is very effective, and for long spells we didn’t get close to them.”

George named an unchanged line-up for the game, and it soon became apparent his charges would be up against it, with the Dons enjoying plenty of possession and letting the ball do the work in what were sweltering conditions.

The movement of front three Danny Kedwell, Luke Moore, and Kaid Mohamed had the U’s defence chasing shadows, while in midfield ex-United loanee Ricky Wellard was the dominant figure, showing the cool head and passing ability that typified his spell at the Abbey.

Wimbledon had racked up 16 corners in their previous match, against Barrow AFC, so it was no surprise when they opened the scoring from a set-piece in the 11th minute.

Sam Hatton’s flag kick curled over to the back post, where Kedwell won a header and directed it back across goal to Mohamed. Although his shot was blocked on the line by James Jennings, defender Brett Johnson was on hand to force in the rebound.

Jennings was United’s principle attacking threat in the first half, getting forward well and linking up with Conal Platt on several occasions. Platt almost created an instant equaliser for Danny Wright, floating a perfect cross over Johnson towards the striker, who was unable to steer his attempted volley into the net.

Mohamed had already scored three times against United this season while with former club Bath, and he could have added to his tally when Kedwell’s flick put him clear on goal. But although the forward controlled the ball well, his low shot was turned round the post by Simon Brown.

But the former Wrexham man made no mistake in the 32nd minute, when Kedwell and Moore worked the ball into his path and he crashed home a shot from 12 yards.

It took another good save from Brown to foil Mohamed eight minutes later, while at the other end Platt seized on a loose ball and delivered a shot that Dons keeper Seb Brown had to punch over the bar.

The introduction of Luke Berry and Adam Marriott in the second period gave United some extra impetus, though Wimbledon continued to look dangerous on the break, with Jason Minshull drawing a good save from Brown and Moore volleying over when he should have hit the target.

Liam Hughes shot over the bar after a good pass from Marriott just before Wright grabbed his team a life-line in the 82nd minute. Jordan Patrick worked the ball on to Marriott, whose first-time cut-back was perfect for the in-rushing Wright, who scored with a low finish from just inside the box.

And though United pressurised the Dons in the closing stages, they were unable to force an equaliser, and now head to relegation rivals Forest Green Rovers on Saturday for what will be a crucial clash.

One bright spot was the return of Berry, who had been expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

“We thought he [Berry] was out for the season, but Greg Reid said to me earlier in the week that he wasn’t too far away,” said George.

“He’s just a kid who wants to play football, and when you’ve got a mind as strong as his and a desire as strong as his, the body listens to the mind.

“He’s made brilliant progress, and we haven’t taken a risk because we wouldn’t do that with any player, and I just thought at half-time he’d give us energy and legs which was lacking in the first half.”

Cambridge United: Brown, Roberts, Jennings, Saah, Partridge (Coulson 90), Patrick, Bentley, Sinclair (Berry 45), Platt (Marriott 65), Wright, Hughes. Subs not used: Naisbitt, McAuley.

AFC Wimbledon: Brown, Hatton, Gwillim, Johnson, Yakubu, Gregory, Wellard (Hudson 71), Minshull, Moore (Stuart 87), Kedwell (Nwokeji 79), Mohamed. Subs not used: Jackson, Turner.

Referee: Mr A.Madley