The U's only home friendly brought their first pre-season defeat in a game that improved in quality after the break following an explosive opening quarter of an hour that saw all three goals scored. A long drop kick by Nichols that saw Dundas bundled over from behind as he ran onto the ball allowed Craig Davis to open the scoring from the spot after just 3 minutes. But inside a minute the visitors were level when Godfrey sent an unstoppable 25-yard volley past a startled and helpless Nichols. Davis then over elaborated in midfield and when he lost the ball U's were immediately vulnerable and Bocande held off Palmer to knock the ball over Nichols to make it 2-1 after just 11 minutes. The promise of more goals though was defeated by some more resolute defending as the game lost its training-match feel.
U's were a bit short of options upfront, without Dos Santos, Matata and Wilde, and the defence was a bit square throughout the first 45 minutes. After the break things tightened up. Dons' defenders twice had to make goal-line clearances but most of the threat came from set-pieces. As in previous games, U's won lots of headers in their opponents' penalty area but lacked anyone to react to the second ball. Chances were few and far between at both ends, but the two managers will have been happy with the game and taken away useful lessons. U's gave debuts to last season's youth teamer Stuart Young and former Farnborough defender Sam Stanard.
Line-up:- Nichols (75 McLoughlin), Smith (63 George), Palmer (56 Hughes), El Salahi, Bray (75 Stanard), Hann, Heeroo, Davis, Young (h/t McKimm), Dundas, West (56 Roberts).
Craig Davis puts away the 3rd minute penalty.
Craig Dundas contests an aerial ball.
Jack Smith looks to play the ball down the line.
Paul Doswell gives some tactical instructions.
Steve West tussles with a Dons defender. |
