2016/2017 LEAGUE ONE SEASON -- AFC WIMBLEDON V BOLTON WANDERERS KO 3PM

SATURDAY 13th AUGUST 2016

YEAH BABY PLAY OFF WINNERS, NOW FOR LEAGUE ONE

This weekend is the Dons opening HOME fixture for the 2016-17 season in League One. Two defeats in the league and league cup this week is not good but that was a similar tale to last season and there is plenty of time for the side to get their act together in what is still a young side finding their feet in this league. 

This Saturday we host Bolton Wanderers at Kingsmeadow and this should be another test for our young team. Even though Bolton were relegated last season and their days of being a premier league side are in the past they still carry a big threat and should be a huge player in this division with the resources now available. Bolton beat Sheffield United 1-0 in their opening fixture last weekend, but like the Dons they also went out of the League Cup losing 4-2 to Blackpool on Tuesday night. 

We shall update on Saturday before kick off with the confirmed starting XI for both sides and any further news as it comes available.

Line Ups (confirmed);

  AFC WIMBLEDON
   Odds -- 6/4 (William Hill) 


 Clarke (Gk),  Fuller (c), Kelly,  Robinson,  Bulman,  Barcham,  Charles,  Parrett,  Reeves,  Taylor,  Elliott,  


Subs – Shea (Gk),  Nightingale,  Beere,  Francomb,  Fitzpatrick,  Barnett,  Poleon

BOLTON WANDERERS
Odds -- 19/10 (William Hill) 


Howard (Gk),  Davies,  Beevers,  Wheater,  Moxey,  Trotter,  Spearing,  Vela,  Buxton,  Proctor,  Madine 




Subs – Amos (Gk),  Clough,  Wilson,  Clayton,  A Taylor,  Taylor,  Woolery


 

H/T Score – 1 - 1

First Half Comment;
A full to bursting Kingsmeadow for the opening home game and a wonderful start for the Dons taking the lead with an excellent curled finish by Andy Barcham in the opening 16 mins. 

A game of few chances after that but sadly for us the trotters squeezed in an equaliser on 36 mins when Gary Madine struck a left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal, taking what looked like a deflection or bobble on the way and creeping under goalkeeper Clarke.

Half time approaches and it's fairly even as the scoreline suggests but the Dons should be disappointed not to hold onto a lead again, Bolton having a bit more of the play since they equalised, needs a good half time team talk.
 

F/T Score – 1 - 2

Match Summary;
Three defeats in a row now and not the start to the season we wanted to see. It's going to be hard but this is starting to feel a bit worrying, playing ok (not great, but ok) and creating chances that we are not able to put away. New keeper doesn't seem to command the box and you can't really see many options from the bench at the moment. 

Fair play to Bolton, brought a few fans and didn't panic at 1-0 down and took control. Another game on Tuesday night and chance to get those points on the board before it gets a bit lonely at the bottom.


Man of the Match – Andy Barcham.

Referee -- Our Referee for the Trotters game is Gavin Ward, 46, from Sheppey. Clever boy - works as a Senior Finance Business Partner with Axa in Kingston. He must work with some strapping Wombles who threaten to dangle him off the top of the building if we ever lose a match of his, cos we always do well with him, even though he's a fussy sod.

Attendance – 4,619.

Next match:
Tuesday 16th August vs Scunthorpe (Home)
League One -- KO 7:45pm