EMIRATES FA CUP - FIRST ROUND - AFC WIMBLEDON vs GUISELEY [SATURDAY 6th NOVEMBER]

This weekend the Dons will host Guiseley from the National League North in the first round of this seasons FA Cup. The Dons are lacking in league form, and will need to use this opportunity for a good cup run, having lost to Arsenal in the EFL Carabao Cup earlier in the season if we can overcome the first few hurdles there is the possibility of another pay day in round three? However recent years have seen us struggle against lower league opposition and with just one win in our last six league games we should not be taking this at all lightly. I do hope that we can put out a strong starting XI here, show the competition some respect, though there are surely a few youngsters looking to gain some much needed game time here.

FORM GUIDE

(Last 6 matches in respective leagues, starting with most recent)
AFC Wimbledon - LLWDDL
Guiseley - LDWLLD

LAST TIME OUT

Cambridge United 1 - 0  AFC Wimbledon

Darlington 5 - 1 Guiseley

Updates will be published with team news and more as and when it comes through. Wimbledon's recent form is a bit up and down as mentioned and we are currently in 17th place in League One after last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Cambridge United. Guiseley AFC are joint managed by Marcus Bignot he enjoyed an extensive playing career with over 600 appearances to his name most notably with QPR and Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Championship, and also Russ O'Neill who enjoyed a successful 10 year stay at Alfreton Town working with Nicky Law as they reached Non League's top tier and challenged for the play offs under their stewardship. Widely known for his keen eye to spot a player and improve them, a role he had at Burnley. They are captained by Hamza Bencherif and also have a few players from Football league clubs on loan so there is plenty of experience here. More news nearer the weekend when available, and then the second round draw will be at it's regular time on Monday night. Guiseley currently 17th place in the National League North with only nine points to show for their opening ten fixtures, they need to bounce back from a poor 5-1 defeat to Darlington last weekend. League form usually doesn't count for much in the FA Cup, and wouldn't be surprised if we are not being given a hard time, hopefully we can settle down and get an early goal or two.

Line Ups (Confirmed);

AFC WIMBLEDON

Win Odds - 1/4 [William Hill]

Tzanev (Gk),  Alexander,  🟨Csoka,  Heneghan,  Guinness-Walker,  Woodyard(c),  🟨Hartigan,  Rudoni,  McCormick,  Assal,  🟨Palmer

SUBS - Oualah (Gk),  Lawrence,  Chislett,  Mebude,  Pressley,  Biler,  Charles,  Jenkins,  Bartley

GUISELEY

Odds -- 10/1 [William Hill] 

Wade (Gk),  Bencherif (c),  Hull,  🟨Cantrill,  🟨Hutchinson,  🟨Spencer,  Ekpolo,  🟨Nicholson,  Mbeka,  Thewlis,  Hey

Subs –  Lambton (Gk),  Brown,  Metcalfe,  Hollins,  Gratton,  Stones,  Thompson,  Tuton

Selected Bets;

• Over 1.5 goals in first half @13/8.
• AFC Wimbledon to score in both halves @11/10
• Ayoub Assal to score anytime @2/1

⚽H/T Score – 1 - 0

First Half Comment;

Updates to appear here when the game is underway, though could be delayed as off to get covid booster jab this afternoon, back by half time hopefully. Only just got back in the second half, and find we are only just ahead 1-0 with a late goal from Ollie Palmer before half time, I hope we don't mess up in the second forty five mins. 

⚽F/T Score – 1 - 0

Match Summary;

A poor game by all accounts, glad I wasn't there really, seems a low turnout too, at least we are in the second round draw on Monday night. At least we avoided any sort of upset, with Ollie Palmer's first half strike enough. Not many shocks around unless you could Sunderland losing at home, and both Wigan and Wycombe being held to draws. No injuries, and we'll have a weekend off due to international call ups next weekend.

My Man of the Match – tba.

Referee – Our referee for this afternoon's first round FA Cup tie will be Mr Martin Woods from Lancashire, tends to officiate in the National League so a step up to take charge of a league one club here, averages three bookings a game, as far as I can see has not taken charge of either side before now. Assistance on the side lines from Conor Farrell and Matthew Lee while the fourth official duties will be handled by Aji Ajibola

Attendance – 4,973. 

Next league one fixture;
  vs Cheltenham Town (Home)
  Saturday 13th November @3:00pm
** the club have released news that this fixture will be postponed due to international call ups, mostly u21s