AFC Wimbledon held by Norwich in goalless pre-season opener
AFC Wimbledon and Norwich City played out a goalless pre-season friendly at Cherry Red Records Stadium on Friday, as both teams looked to build fitness ahead of their domestic campaigns. League standing: 24th in League One, 0 pts.
What happened in the match
Philippe Clement named a largely second-choice XI for Norwich, keeping his first-team options fresh for Saturday’s closed-doors clash with Fulham. The Canaries, fresh from a 3-0 win over St Gallen last Friday, showed signs of fatigue at times in a friendly that created chances but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Wimbledon’s Alistair Smith forced the first real effort from distance, but Daniel Grimshaw gathered easily. Liam Gibbs went closest for the visitors inside eight minutes, flashing a low free-kick past Joe McDonnell only for the danger to be cleared. Aron Sasu then broke clear, but Grimshaw reacted quickly to deny the hosts the opener.
Paris Maghoma, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Wimbledon, showed his attacking influence before Ryan Johnson intervened with a crucial tackle. Norwich grew into the contest but needed Sam Field to block Myles Hippolyte’s driven effort midway through the first half.
What it means for the Dons
Wimbledon’s defensive structure looked solid, with Jake Glossop and Harry Darling introduced at the break to shore up the back line. The hosts carved out chances too, with Antwoine Hackford forcing Grimshaw into a smart save after a swift counter.
Kellen Fisher missed the game with an ankle injury after a scan earlier in the day, while Clement’s side will hope fitness levels rise ahead of Saturday’s closed-doors game with Fulham. The double-header gives both teams a chance to blood youngsters and probe tactical ideas before the league curtain-raiser.
Next steps for AFC Wimbledon
Wimbledon now focus on Saturday’s closed-doors friendly against Fulham, a session that could shape Clement’s thinking ahead of the league season. League standing: 24th in League One, 0 pts, the Dons will aim to build on the physicality shown in patches against Norwich.
The club’s next competitive fixture is an away trip to Doncaster on February 20 2027, when Wimbledon sit ninth in League One. Goals this season: 0 scored, 0 conceded (0 goal difference) as they chase their first points of the campaign.
