If Wimbledon repeat performance levels shown against Wigan then they will win League One survival fight

AFC WIMBLEDON 1
Dobson 79
WIGAN 1
Proctor 58
BY SAM SMITH

Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic may not have been the victory that would have been the perfect outcome for AFC Wimbledon, but if they keep playing like that then the points they need to survive will follow.

The caveat is that Mark Robinson’s side need to start converting their chances. For the Latics to find themselves ahead, as they did through Jamie Proctor just before the hour mark, was unforgivable given that the Dons could have wrapped up this game in the first half.

George Dobson’s thumping header ensured that at least this would not be a third defeat in six League One matches. They are just two points from safety with a game in hand over each of the teams below 18th. Supporters would have taken that scenario with a quarter of the season remaining after the 11-game winless run from December to January.

Wimbledon should have scored more at Plough Lane. That perhaps encapsulates the South Londoners’ campaign.

Dobson’s header was just their fourth goal in their last eight matches. The 3-2 victory against Wigan on February 6 remains the only time they have scored more than once in a match in 2021.

The lack of goals cannot be attributed to a lack of trying. Wimbledon set up in a 4-4-2 but it was often a 4-2-4 – so high were wide men Jack Rudoni and Ryan Longman.

Joe Pigott curled inches wide with a left-footed strike early on. The Dons’ top-scorer also nearly found a route through on goal but was prevented by an excellent tackle by Tendayi Darikwa.

It is to Wimbledon’s detriment that Pigott’s goals have dried up. The striker has not scored since his brace against Wigan last month. That is a run of eight matches without finding the net, although there can be fewer more satisfying games in which to end that run than when his former side Charlton Athletic visit Plough Lane tomorrow.

In recent seasons, it has been Pigott who has stepped up when Wimbledon have needed goals. The sole responsibility should not rely on his shoulders and others must contribute.

The impressive Longman tested Jamie Jones after a weaving run that took him to the edge of the penalty area. The on-loan Brighton forward just needed to guide his effort either side of the Wigan goalkeeper.

Jack Rudoni then received possession with his back to goal inside the box – but took too long to decide whether to pass or shoot. Longman struck the loose ball but was crowded out.

Those missed chances proved costly because Wigan improved in the second half. Proctor tested Nik Tzanev from range before he opened the scoring. A low cross was drilled into the area and Proctor held off pressure from two defenders and swivelled. His finish was well placed to the right of Tzanev, perhaps unsighted by the bodies in his eyeline.

To be so wasteful only to concede from the opposition’s first true chance is a familiar tale for Wimbledon. But their response was excellent and sets them in good stead for the final 12 matches.

It was Longman who inspired the revival. Twice he delivered dangerous crosses, only for nobody to be making a run into the penalty area.

Dobson arrived to meet the on-loan Brighton man’s centre 11 minutes from full-time. The midfielder’s powerful header was perfectly placed and found the bottom corner.

Dobson almost turned provider in added-time, although neither Ollie Palmer nor Paul Osew could convert. Three points would not have been wholly undeserved.

STAR MAN
Ryan Longman. The winger had created most of Wimbledon’s chances before he crossed for Dobson (pictured inset) to head home.

BEST MOMENT
Dobson’s header that earned a point.

Pics by Sean Gosling and Keith Gillard