Wally takes charge of first match for AFC Dons in 2-1 defeat to Chelsea kids

Wally Downes made his first appearance as AFC Wimbledon’s new boss tonight as his side went out of the Checkatrade Trophy.

The Dons lost 2-1 to Chelsea’s u-21 side at Stamford Bridge. After going 2-0 down, Downes, who had stayed in the stands for the first half appeared in the dugout, took control from Simon Bassey and made an instant double-substitution.

One of those, Anthony Wordsworth took just two minutes to haul themselves back into the tie. A classy overhead kick from eight yards out reduced the deficit.

It looked like a positive game-changing decision by Downes. But as the visitors pummelled the Chelsea’s defence in search of an equaliser, Wordsworth went from hero to zero as he was given a straight red card by referee Charles Breakspear for hacking down right back Tariq Lamptey with five minutes left.

Anthony Wordsworth is given a straight red card for fouling Tariq Lamptey five minutes from the final whistle

Downes takes charge of his first league match, at home, on Saturday, against Rochdale.