Three takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s pre-season draw with Woking

AFC Wimbledon played out a goalless dead with National League side Woking on Saturday.

Here are Edmund Brack’s three takeaways from The Laithwaite Community Stadium:

JAKE REEVES – THAT BIT OF QUALITY

Dropping deep to collect passes from the centre-backs, marshalling the side and producing clever interceptions – Jake Reeves showed exactly what he will bring Johnnie Jackson’s side this season in his 60-minute spell.

Won possession in the 55th minute and set Josh Davison away on goal. However, the move failed to materialise into a shot at Woking’s goal.

His short passing range and ability to move the ball quickly to turn defence into attack was a real standout.

JOE LEWIS IMPRESSES

The loanee has had an impressive pre-season so far, joining on a season-long stint from the League Two rivals Stockport County.

He made an excellent block in the 27th minute to stop Rhys Browne from getting a shot off at goal and opening the scoring.

The centre-back made another goal-saving block in the 66th minute to deny a Woking forward from taking a shot at 

Looked really comfortable next to Huseyin Biler and should complement the full-back well.

LOTS TO LIKE WITH TIME TO GO BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS

With 20 days to go before the first ball is kicked in AFC Wimbledon’s 2023-24 season, there is a lot to like about the current position they find themselves in.

Nine signings through the door, and every player brings something different to the side.

Omar Bugiel is a real handful – he battled well on Saturday and constantly dropped deeper to pick up the ball.

Josh Neuvfille is quick and direct – an old-fashioned winger who wants to attack defenders.

Alex Bass played the full 90. He produced a great save to deny Ethan Sutcliffe’s header back towards his own goal in the 87th minute.

The Sunderland loanee’s kicking was excellent too. 

Tilley has a creative spark and looks like a player who could decide the outcome of a tight contest with his left foot.

Jackson now has options to call upon from the bench, too, with Paris Lock, in particular, staking a claim for remaining with the first team beyond pre-season. 

There is more work to do, but with a fit Ali Al-Hamadi getting closer to returning, the early signs are seriously promising.