Walker's 'unacceptable' mistakes take the shine off for Martin

Russell Martin admitted mistakes from goalkeeper Laurie Walker will take the gloss off a great night for his academy players after losing 2-1 to Southampton U21s on Wednesday.

Dons' third-choice keeper was at fault for both of Southampton's goals on the night, meaning Dons will have to wait until next week's game between Northampton and Stevenage to establish whether they will top the group. They have already qualified for the next round though.

Walker was not the only keeper falling foul in the game, as Saints stopper Harry Lewis too cost his side, allowing Matthew Sorinola to equalise early in the second period.

But it was the mistakes from the Dons keeper which caused most disappointment for Martin afterwards.

"Not a good night for the goalies," he said. "I should be talking about how positive it was from our academy guys. I'm really disappointed for them and the rest of the team to be honest. I don't think Laurie had a save to make, yet we've conceded two goals.

"I love Laurie and he plays a strong role in the group but he knows his errors were unacceptable. He's gutted as are the rest of the team."

While the defeat ends Dons' run of four unbeaten games, Martin said he felt the game - effectively a dead-rubber before kick-off - will not impact their momentum or mentality heading into Saturday's League One game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

He continued: "Everyone acknowledges the changes we made, and naming so many youngsters in the side, but that wasn't me writing off the game, just trying to win it with a different team in a different way. And we were close to doing it too.

"At 1-1, we would have been top of the group, and would have maintained our unbeaten run. But it's a completely different game in a different competition so I don't think anyone will read too much into it.

"We have to go again on Saturday and continue our unbeaten run in the league."