The inaugural WAWF Cup match took place at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on May 31 – and proved a smash hit among players, legends and fans.

The Purples, led by Terry Brown and featuring Mikey Haswell and Lewis Taylor, were up against a Yellows side led by Mark Robinson, featuring Seb Brown and Darren Dobinson.

Co-Managers came in the form of Dons fans Will Lonsdale and Matheus Finichio, and the two sides were bolstered by Wimbledon supporters who had travelled from far and wide to take part in the game.

While the match was staged to raise funds for the men’s first team playing budget, via the volunteer-led We Are Wimbledon Fund, that didn’t stop there being a competitive edge to proceedings, with the two managers haggling over players, and Terry’s Purples storming into a 4-1 lead in front of a smaller than normal – but incredibly vocal! – Plough Lane crowd.

A couple of quickfire goals – including a 25 yard screamer from Dobo Jnr – put the Yellows back in contention, with the Purples narrowly holding on for a 5-4 victory, giving Manchester play-off hero Terry the bragging rights for the year!

With the full-time whistle blown, the players mixed with supporters before heading over to the Phoenix, where George Worrell was named Yellow’s Player of the Match by Robbo for his goal and assist, while keeper Paul Cornford took the honours for the Purples, following a string of fine saves.

Each player and volunteer was then handed a specially commissioned, limited edition pin badge as a keepsake from the game.

WAWF volunteer Graham Stacey said: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who helped make today’s WAWF Cup match such a success.

‘It was a privilege to play at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane, and to share the day with so many wonderful people.

‘Special thanks to former Dons Mikey Haswell, Darren Dobinson, Seb Brown and Lewis Taylor, along with managers Terry Brown and Robbo, for so generously giving up their time and helping make the occasion so memorable for everyone.

‘Thank you also to all of the players who took part and helped put on a great game.

‘I have to say, that was a pretty decent standard out there, and a bit of a show for the Cappagh Stand crowd! Craig Cope was there and I reckon a couple of the guys might be hanging by their phones this week!

‘We’re incredibly grateful to our volunteer officials Anne-Marie Godfrey, Jason Lee and Gary Davis, photographer Kirk Pritchard, videographer Paul Lapraik, and everyone who came along to support and cheer the players on.

‘Today’s match is another reminder of what can be achieved when the best fans in the world come together.

‘With the help of events like this, WAWF has now raised around £80,000 towards the First Team playing budget this year – something everyone involved should be hugely proud of.’

You can view the goals and highlights from the game on YouTube at https://youtu.be/elqXSaVyJz4?feature=shared

You can follow WAWF on social media at:
Bluesky – @wearewimbledon.bsky.social

X – @WeAreWimbledon

Facebook – @WeAreWimbledon

Instagram – @wearewimbledon

TikTok – @WeAreWimbledonFund

Donating to WAWF is one of a number of ways you can support the Club – from signing up as a Member to becoming a Vice-President.
To find out more about how you can help, see https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/make-a-donation/