Talking points from Bromley 1 AFC Wimbledon 2 – Dons play party poopers as Ravens’ first EFL Cup tie ends in defeat

Bromley tasted defeat in their first-ever EFL Cup tie as AFC Wimbledon fought back to win 2-1 at Hayes Lane on Tuesday evening.

Here are Alex Grace’s talking points from the match.

HISTORIC NIGHT

Fresh off a historic 2-0 victory at Harrogate on Saturday on their EFL debut, Bromley returned home ready to make more history. Wimbledon had other ideas.

The Dons showed their comfort on the ball, dictating the early tempo.

For Bromley, it was a stern test of their resolve and they managed to soak up much of the early pressure.

Young Bromley talents Besart Topalloj and Temi Amantchi – who opened the scoring – showed promise and resilience, indicating they could be crucial to the club’s ambitions this season.

Bromley’s attacking threat was largely negated by a disciplined Wimbledon defence but their danger from set-pieces remained evident. Woodman’s side created chances from dead ball opportunities, but their finishing let them down.

KELLY AND PIGOTT OFF THE MARK

Despite dominating the ball the Dons were largely kept at bay by the tireless efforts of Bromley’s midfield trio of Jude Arthurs, Cameron Congreve and Lewis Leigh.

The key moment for Wimbledon came through a brilliant strike from Josh Kelly.

The 25-year-old showcased his quality by expertly controlling a ball in space, turning swiftly, and finishing with precision to level the score after Bromley had gone in front against the run of play.

Another positive for Wimbledon was Joe Pigott getting on the scoresheet.

It means all four Dons strikers have opened their accounts for the season.

This was the second consecutive match that the Dons came from behind to win, following their opening day victory over Colchester.

PERFECT WARM-UP FOR SATURDAY

Both teams made changes to their sides for this match but should be back to full-strength on Saturday, when they meet again in League Two.

Despite this cup exit, Bromley can be happy with their start to the League Two campaign – that win at Harrogate was a watershed moment as it gave them their first ever EFL win after promotion from the National League in May.

Wimbledon will return to Hayes Lane on Saturday full of confidence, having secured wins in both the league and cup.

PICTURES: ED BOYDEN