A hard fought point

 Some weights were lifted off the shoulders around plough lane as the Dons were able to see out a 1-0 win at home to Harrogate Town. However this week it wasn’t going to get easier as the Wombles go up north to face promotion chasing Doncaster who have some of the best players in the division with the likes of Luke Molenyeux and Jordan Gibson. 

One change from Harrogate saw James Tilley replace Aron Sasu at left wing back. The Dons started very brightly, dominating the ball and pushing Doncaster back. The fast start would benefit the Dons as a ball over the top fell to Stevens on the right hand side who looped one into the box for Ali Smith to stick a leg out and poke the ball past the keeper. 5 minutes in and it was already 0-1 to the Dons. 

After some more early pressure the Wombles could have made it 0-2 with a low driven ball from Josh Kelly was just short of Stevens to try and guide the ball home. However it would all change for Wimbledon in the 28th minute as Jake Reeves was sent off after his studs had caught the top of Harry Clifton’s thigh. The job would only get trickier from here as the Dons have to hold onto a lead for 60 minutes with one less player. 

As expected, Doncaster piled loads of pressure to the Dons goal with one hitting the outside of the post in which Owen Bailey should really score.

The second half was the repeat of the last 15 minutes of the first with Doncaster trying everything to find the back of the net but the Wimbledon defense stood strong. The 70th minute mark approached and Doncaster make a change which saw veteran, Billy Sharp enter the pitch only to immediately headbutt Joe Lewis in the back after an off the ball altercation just moments after entering the pitch. Sharp was immediately sent off with him only being on the pitch for 50 seconds. It was now 10 vs 10 and it might make the Dons job a little easier.

That however was not to be as Doncaster find space with Jamie Sterry from outside the box who drives one in which may have been a comfortable save for Goodman if it hadn’t taken a deflection which saw the ball go into the back of the net. 1-1.

A golden opportunity for Joe Lewis right at the end as he powers in on goal but unfortunately skies his effort in which to be fair he is a centre back.

Full time: Doncaster Rovers 1-1 AFC Wimbledon 

Another lead in which we don’t hold on to. But it was always going to be a tough ask after going down to ten men. Just a shame we conceded when the playing field was even. Automatics are slowly fading away but anything can happen in this league. Let’s just try and cement a playoff place. 

MOTM: Ali Smith šŸ„‡(we need to sign him)

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