Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 3-1 win over Oxford United – Rudoni repays with a double

By Edmund Brack

AFC Wimbledon grabbed their first home win of the season – in 30 years.

After a disappointing first half, a double from Jack Rudoni and a Will Nightingale header gave Mark Robinson’s side their first home win of the season.

Mark Robinson made three changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Ipswich Town last time out, with Nesta Guinness-Walker, Jack Rudoni and Dapo Mebude replacing Ayoub Assal, Aaron Pressley and Cheye Alexander.

Here are Edmund Brack’s four takeaways from Plough Lane:

JACK RUDONI REPAYS THE FAITH

After plundering the equaliser against Ipswich Town last time out, Mark Robinson rewarded Jack Rudoni with a start.

The 20-year-old scored his second consecutive goal to bring the Dons level, gambling at the back post to turn home Will Nightingale’s header back across the face of goal.

Rudoni nearly put the Dons ahead from a similar scenario, but he failed to guide Hartigan’s corner towards goal.

The midfielder put the missed chance behind him to wrap up all three points for Mark Robinson’s side in the 81st minute.

After Ayoub Assal burst past Elliot Moore, the winger laid the ball back to the waiting Rudoni, who duly slotted the ball from the edge of the box out of Stevens’ reach and handing the Dons their first home win of the season.

INEXPERIENCE LEADS TO OPENER

Despite having multiple chances to put themselves in front at Plough Lane, the youthful naivety of the Dons allowed Karl Robinson’s side to take the lead.

Anthony Hartigan was caught in possession by Mark Sykes, who advanced towards goal and slipped a shot underneath Nik Tzanev on the stroke of half time.

The young Wimbledon players became more nervous and anxious on the ball as the first half progressed, falling deeper and deeper into their own half. It was also the fifth time in six League One matches where Mark Robinson’s side have failed to score in the first half.

HENRY LAWRENCE EXCELS

It hasn’t taken long for the Chelsea loanee to earn Mark Robinson’s trust, and the 19-year-old has certainly repaid the faith shown in him.

Starting the game at right-back, the versatile youngster demonstrated his athleticism to drive forward and supply an outlet to Dapo Mebude or Ollie Palmer.

Making one crucial challenge to thwart an Oxford counterattack and having the second most touches of anyone in a Wimbledon shirt in the first half, Henry Lawrence instantly went about imposing himself on the game.

WIMBLEDON PICK UP FIRST WIN SINCE OPENING DAY

When Luke McCormick swept home a free-kick to send the travelling Dons fans into pandemonium at the Keepmoat Stadium, the Wimbledon faithful didn’t know then that their next win in League One would be five games later.

A dominant second half performance from Robinson’s side ensured that they picked up their second win of the season and their first win in front of the returning Wimbledon home support.

It was the Dons’ first home win in Plough Lane since a victory against Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest on March 31 1991. The scoreline then was 3-1 as well.

The Dons’ next game is against Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday.