Match report: Wimbledon through to last 16 of the Papa John’s trophy after 1-0 win against Sutton
AFC Wimbledon progressed to the round of 16 in the Papa John’s Trophy courtesy of an early Kyle Hudlin goal that secured a 1-0 win against Sutton United at the Cherry Red Records stadium.
A fantastic burst into the box by Jack Currie allowed the young defender to play a perfect pass across the area to Hudlin, who confidently slid the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring.
It was a brisk evening in Wimbledon and both sides seemed to be feeling the cold in the opening stages of the game. The first fifteen minutes were a cagey affair, with neither side threatening in attack.
It was Wimbledon who broke the deadlock 17 minutes in, 20-year-old left-back Currie beat a defender, before playing a low cross into the path of the onrushing Hudlin. The striker took it first time, pulling off a low shot that left Sutton goalkeeper Jack Rose with no chance.
After the opener, the game became a cagey affair, with neither team causing much danger in attack before halftime.
Early in the second 45, there was a big collision between Sutton’s Omar Bugiel and Dons keeper Nathan Broome, leaving the latter on the floor requiring treatment.
The South London derby became more feisty as the half went on, with Sutton and Wimbledon players both feeling aggrieved with referee Sam Purkiss’ decisions.
Goal scorer Hudlin went into the book shortly after, as tackles began flying in.
The second half was interrupted by a litter of substitutions, both sides making four changes each.
There was a feeling of revenge amongst the Wimbledon players and staff, who were knocked out by Sutton in the Papa John’s trophy in the group stage last season.
Sutton threw men forward late into the game and desperately looked for a goal in the dying minutes. Wimbledon, however, defended well and kept their South London rivals at bay.
There were ugly scenes at the full-time whistle, as Sutton and Wimbledon players clashed in front of the U’s fans. Almost the entire bench and coaching staff on both sides were forced to rush onto the field to break up the brawl.
The result means Wimbledon have secured their spot in the next round of the Papa John’s trophy. The Dons extended their now ten-game winning streak, their last loss being against tonight’s opponents in League Two.
The draw for the round of 16 will take place at 16:30 GMT this Thursday.
Wimbledon will hope to carry their good form into the next game against Chesterfield in the FA Cup.
