Sutton United Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup campaign came to an end following a 1-0 defeat at The VBS Community Stadium.

Despite hitting the woodwork twice in the second half, Harry Hedges’ goal on the stroke of half-time proved to be the difference between the two teams on the night.

Speaking to Sutton United FCtv after the match, PDP lead coach Rob Tuvey said he wanted his team to take on board some of the lessons learned from their cup run.

“Be proud of the two games they won, and really reflect honestly on tonight,” said Tuvey. “Hopefully be ready to bounce back next year.”

The U’s started brightly in front of a larger crowd at Gander Green Lane, with Adam Reeves testing the palms of Wombles keeper Ethan McGrath with a left-footed shot.

Kai Morgan made a fantastic double save to prevent the visitors taking the lead, first reaching Jake Lawrence’s shot before jumping back up to deny Hedges.

Excellent skill from Khyan Edwards saw him skip past a number of Dons defenders before the ball arrived in the path of Reeves, but his powerful shot struck the side-netting.

As the first half ticked into added time, AFC Wimbledon took the lead as Hedges’ shot beat Morgan and nestled into the corner of the net.

In the second half, changes for Sutton saw the home side create more opportunities – most notably James Fennelow hitting the bottom of the post with a deft header from a corner.

Ned Hepburn’s looped cross nearly found it’s way into the net, but the ball wouldn’t quite dip below the crossbar, bouncing off it and away from danger.

After an intense period of stoppage time pressure, the U’s couldn’t find a way to level the match, with the visitors holding onto their advantage and progressing into the next round.

“I don’t think we’ve worked their goalkeeper quite enough,” Tuvey reflected. “After the first 20 minutes, we had control of the game without having enough in the final third tonight, and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

“Players from younger age groups have trained really well with us over half term and they’ve put a thought in my mind. Jakob Lowe is a 15-year-old who has come and played 90 minutes and done brilliantly. I think it’s what we’ve got to do as a club.”

Sutton United U18s: K Morgan, C Lee, A Reeves (sub T Frost 83), J Eccleston, D Urpens, J Lowe, K Edwards (sub K Edouard-Morrison 75), C Bell (sub B Sheargold 61), J Trickett (sub J Fennelow 54), G Vorster, V Tume (sub N Hepburn 61)

Unused: C Fletcher (GK), J Brian

The U18s return to action in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup away to Leyton Orient on Saturday, November 2 at Buckhurst Hill FC( 10:30am kick-off).