FA Youth Cup

AFC Wimbledon 1 (Williams 22’)

Leeds United 3 (Ferguson 28’, Andreucci 91’, Thomas 92’) 

Wimbledon: Griffiths (GK), Tepe, Bangura (C), Bendle, Lahan, Young, Sasu, Williams, Wilson (Sidwell 108’), Lock (Onabanjo 65’), Amissah (Leach 95’). Subs not used: Foulkes, Sakanu, Horan, Downs. 

Leeds: Mahady (GK), Diboe, Ferguson, Buchan, Godden, Debayo (Chadwick 98’), Douglas (Vincent 108'), Coleman (C), Andreucci, McFadden (Chambers 113’) Wilson (Thomas 61’). Subs not used: Ombang (GK), Dawber, Richards. 

Venue: Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane.

Attendance: 1,074

Leeds United Under-18s progressed into the FA Youth Cup fifth round with a hard-fought away victory over AFC Wimbledon, after extra-time.

This fourth round clash was being played at the second attempt after the first had initially been called off two weeks earlier, due to a frozen pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. 

In a tough clash in West London for Scott Gardner’s side, they had to battle back from behind to overcome the hosts, who had initially taken an early lead. The reward for progressing is a fifth round clash against Oxford United, away from home.

After a well-contested opening, it was the Dons who went into the lead in the match. Morgan Williams was the player to get the goal, as the Welshman was able to turn the ball into the back of the net from close range. 

The goal advantage for AFC didn’t last long though, as Leeds instantly hit back. Fresh from signing his first professional deal last week, Connor Ferguson ventured forward from his left-back position and got his side on level terms. 

Connor Ferguson celebrates with his teammates after the equaliser.

Attacks were exchanged at either end, as 15 minutes remained in the half following the goal on each side. 

However, no further players were able to find the back of the net, meaning this cup clash saw both teams go into their respective dressing rooms on level terms when the referee sounded his whistle for the break. 

HALF TIME: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Leeds United 

After an entertaining opening 45 minutes under the floodlights at Plough Lane, the teams came out for the second half with the aim of finding the goal which would send them through. 

The best chance for the home side came after a speculative effort from Paris Lock. The Dons’ forward sent an effort towards goal from an attempted over-head kick, but it flew over the bar. 

The 1,074 fans who had attended this clash in West London were seeing two teams battling it out, going in search of a winner, which was continuing to create an entertaining match. 

However, and not through a lack of trying, neither team were able to find the net again as the match edged ever closer to its conclusion. 

When the final whistle to end the second half at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, the teams were still level and this FA Youth Cup match would have to be settled in extra-time, or penalties if needed. 

FULL TIME: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Leeds United

Just one minute into extra-time, and Leeds were ahead for the first time on the night, through top scorer this season Ben Andreucci.

He found space inside Wimbledon’s penalty area and composed himself, showing superb balance to strike powerfully with his right-foot beyond Harry Griffiths between the posts to make it 2-1 to Leeds. 

Ben Andreucci runs off celebrating after putting Leeds ahead!

Just a minute later and on from the substitutes bench midway through the second half, Luca Thomas continued to show his ability to find the net! 

The young forward doubled the advantage in extra-time by scoring United’s third goal of the night, once again showing composure to slot home with his left-foot after getting around Griffiths.

Luca Thomas celebrates after scoring the third goal!

There was still time remaining for more action and Leeds had to be alert as well as focused, which they were - showing they more than deserved to book their place in the fifth round.

Next up for Gardner’s side, they will visit Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium!  

FULL TIME (AET): AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Leeds United