AFC Wimbledon pushed hard but fell short in pre-season clash
AFC Wimbledon pushed Brentford all the way in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday, losing 3-2 after twice coming from behind. Jaidon Anthony’s 75th-minute strike sealed the win for the Bees, who fielded several first-team regulars.
What happened on the pitch
The Dons started brightly and took the lead inside two minutes when a forward raced clear and slotted past Caoimhín Kelleher. Brentford, wearing their new 2026/27 and 2027/28 home kit, responded through Iwan Morgan and Mikkel Damsgaard. Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva tested the Wimbledon defence repeatedly, but the hosts held firm.
Wimbledon restored their lead five minutes after the restart when a Brentford corner was scrambled over the line. Anthony equalised after the ball deflected to him, and Damsgaard completed the comeback with 15 minutes left.
Why the friendly matters for the Dons
The game offered manager Johnnie Jackson a chance to blood youngsters and test new recruits in a competitive setting. AFC Wimbledon, sat 24th in League One with 0 points ahead of the new season, used the fixture to gauge fitness and squad depth.
Ellery Balcombe made a stunning first-half save, while Vitaly Janelt and Dasilva posed constant threats. The Dons’ pressing and direct play hinted at progress, even if the result went against them.
What comes next for AFC Wimbledon
The League One curtain-raiser looms, with the Dons set to host Stockport County on 30 January 2027. The club’s goals this season stand at 0 scored and 0 conceded, leaving plenty to prove in their first league outing. Jackson will hope the pre-season strides translate into points when it matters most.
