David Cornell’s spot-kick save is key as AFC Wimbledon’s winning run comes to an end against Ipswich Town

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

Penalties change games, as do saves from a spot-kick, and this was the story of the day surrounding a penalty save in the 22nd minute.

On the back of four wins, Wimbledon were fast out of the blocks – dominating proceedings and dictating the speed of play to pen Ipswich back until the 22nd minute. But David Cornell in the Ipswich goal changed proceedings.

Small moments have a greater impact than first realised.

The confidence was so high, it was quite extraordinary that Wimbledon had not taken a 3-0 lead prior to the penalty award such was their possession, movement and incisive play even without Ollie Palmer.

Those numerous chances were stopped by intrepid Ipswich defending or blocks from attempts by Will Nightingale, Ayoub Assal, George Dobson, Ryan Longman and lastly Luke O’Neill, who had a tremendous shot from 25 yards saved by Cornell.

This was so different from the game some 11 days previously when Ipswich manager Paul Cook publicly tore into his players seeking a reaction. But he also took a goalkeeper out of the firing line and replaced him with Cornell – and that latter change was key.

A potential breakthrough arose after a foul on Joe Pigott saw a penalty awarded.

Now for some mind games. Pigott had scored his last two penalties with kicks to the right and left, but this time chose the middle. Cornell guessed correctly and blocked the shot, with the ball squirming free. Pigott was unable to nudge the free ball over the line.

If Pigott had scored, it was most likely Wimbledon would have added to the score, since their tails would be up, but that save gave Ipswich some belief and the remainder of the first half favoured them.

Robinson reorganised at half-time, and the second period saw Wimbledon almost in front as Pigott won the ball within 90 seconds of the restart, advanced towards goal, then played in the impressive Assal within the penalty box. With time and space, he unfortunately took too long and the chance was smothered by the impressive Cornell.

This second half was a more even affair and Nik Tzanev was called on to make a number of interceptions and couple of excellent saves on 64 and 80 minutes, as Ipswich looked to conclude the game in a positive manner. That latter save became point saving.

Neither side though could find that telling pass and a 0-0 scoreline was probably an accurate reflection on the game.

A couple of key points from the game – Wimbledon did have the clearer chances, but only fine keeping kept them out, and they also showed they could play well without Palmer, who had been a revelation since returning from injury.

Three games remain, and Rochdale tomorrow night at Plough Lane is now a match of major importance. A win or a draw and it is job done. Defeat would push pressure on to the final two matches at home to Portsmouth and away to Lincoln City – both are seeking promotion.

STAR MAN
Ryan Longman. Stood head and shoulders above everyone for his selfless backtracking and still found time to support the strikers. He has been an excellent loan signing this season.

BEST

MOMENT
So many to choose from, but Luke O’Neill at right-back found time and space to get in a full-blooded shot from 25 yards, which David Cornell did exceptionally well to save.