Welcome to the latest 9yrspodcast Tuesday update. Football returned this week! But we perhaps wished it hadn’t. Still, something to talk about away from the club’s finances, which remain a little up in the air. As always, we invite you to add your thoughts and comments below, and if there is anything we have missed, please email 9yrs@may14.co.uk with the subject header, ‘Tuesday Update’.
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On This Day in 2000 … Wimbledon won 2-1 at Norwich City in the Nationwide League Division One. In their first season after relegation from the Premier League, the Dons were in imperious form away from home, and this win was their third consecutive on the road, and sixth from nine games overall. It helped alleviate the pressure of just one win from eight attempts at Selhurst Park. Kelvin Davis saved a Phil Mulryne penalty before John Hartson put the Dons in front; Iwan Roberts equalised for the hosts before half-time, but Damien Francis scored the winner around the hour mark (with a goal better than your editor remembered!). Somewhat extended highlights of the game can be found on YouTube, amongst a Norwich season review.
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Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic was Wimbledon’s third consecutive League One defeat. It was also the Dons’ third consecutive defeat in all competitions at Plough Lane, and despite the disappointment in losing a lead gained just 20 minutes from time, there can be no complaints about the result. Wimbledon were disjointed throughout, and Wigan created the better chances throughout the game, despite somewhat of a second-half stalemate until the opening goal. Johnnie Jackson was most upset with the “really poor” second goal, but was pleased with a “much, much better performance”. Wigan boss Ryan Lowe praised his players for how they “executed the game plan“. Ali Smith was the Dons’ goalscorer, with his first of the season, but 18-year-old Harrison Bettoni, making his league debut, equalised with his first touch after coming on as a substitue on 77 minutes, before going on to net the winner with three minutes remaining. It was Wigan’s first away win of the season in a run that stretches back 10 games into last season. Omar Bugiel, in between international fixtures for Lebanon, played half an hour as a substitute; he was a lone forward as part of a 4141/4231 experiment that did not have the desired effect.
The Dons travel to Huddersfield Town on Saturday (29 November; 3.00pm). It is the first time Wimbledon have played The Terriers since reformation: the sides met in the second tier in the 2000-01 season. Huddersfield sit 8th, one place above Wimbledon, in League One following their 2-1 defeat at Luton Town on Tuesday night. The two teams have an identical record this season (W8, D1, L7), but Huddersfield have a better goal difference (+3 to -2).
Kai Jennings scored twice for Sutton United on Saturday. Sutton won 3-2 away at Truro City in the National League, and they now sit outside of the relegation zone. Osman Foyo also featured in the game, whilst Josh Kelly played for Woking in their 2-1 win at Aldershot Town in the same division. Will Nightingale scored Aldershot’s goal.
Ethan Sutcliffe has joined Tonbridge Angels on loan until January. It is the third time that Sutcliffe has joined Tonbridge, who currently sit 18th in the National League South.
The Women’s team host Hashtag United on Sunday (30 November). The National League Premier Division South fixture kicks-off at 2.00pm at Imperial Fields. Hashtag sit 7th in the table at present; the Dons 11th.
The Boxing Day game against Stevenage is currently sold out. Debenture Holders’ tickets that haven’t been claimed will come available on 5 December, but as it stands, no tickets are available.
The lead photo for this update is from Elys department store in Wimbledon. The stall, on the second floor, is aimed at younger fans, but should do some good trade in the run to Christmas. Wimbledon FC used to have a handful of merchandise on sale at the store in the late 90s; it seems incredible now to believe a Premier League club would not have any merchandise on sale anywhere in their home town, but that was the case whilst we played home matches at Selhurst Park.
The 9yrspodcast will return on Friday. Nick and Stu took a break last week to recharge the batteries! However, the last edition, discussing the 5-0 defeat at Peterborough, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube via this link.
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