Following their exit from the FA Trophy, Wimbledon put out a totally changed team for the London Senior Cup game at Bromley, with only Karl Beckford, Tony Finn, Will Salmon and substitute goalkeeper Elliot Ransom surviving from Saturday's squad. Romone Rose, on loan from Queens Park Rangers, made his debut and should have felt at home, being much the same age as the rest of the side.

When a young team is sent out to play what is pretty well a full-strength Conference South team, what they need most of all is a solid start. Giving away a penalty in the third minute is not recommended, but that is what happened when Ransom brought down Gareth Williams, who was clean through. Nic McDonnell gave Ransom no chance from the spot.

Undaunted, the young Dons took the game to Bromley, playing the ball around tidily and seeking to release on-loan Rose. But with Junior Layilola unable to make much impact, there was little support for Rose and so no end product.

Bromley continued to press and by half- time were 3-0 ahead. Williams scored a high-quality goal in the 26th minute, turning and hitting a shot from an angle in one elegant movement, and McDonnell struck a sharp volley into the net just on half-time.

With victory virtually assured, Bromley eased off in the second half, and Wimbledon were able to get into the game, and there were chances for both sides. Rose in particular looked dangerous and had four or five efforts on goal, including one delightful turn and shot after collecting a quick free-kick. At the other end, Ransom had chances to show off his shot-stopping skills with saves from McDonnell and substitute Danny Hockton.

Rose got a well-deserved goal 10 minutes from time when he ran onto a through ball and steered it firmly past Bromley keeper Andy Walker. Stung into action, Bromley went close twice before McDonnell completed his hat-trick just on the final whistle.

Overall, a young Dons team did themselves proud, battling throughout and keeping their shape well under pressure. Steve Gilbert showed his potential until he was slowed by an injury, and generally the defence acquitted themselves well. But the star of the show for the Dons was Luke Pigden, who got stronger and stronger as the game progressed and looked very much at ease in central midfield.

On this performance it can't be long before some of these youngsters start to appear on the bench for a league game as the next step in their development.

[ --- AFC Wimbledon v Leyton programme 16 Feb 2008]