Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-1 loss at Portsmouth

Following an enforced break due to international matches, which gave head coach Mark Robinson time to refocus his charges on the task of gathering league points, AFC Wimbledon resumed at Portsmouth on Saturday.

An adventurous approach saw much support for Ollie Palmer up front, which resulted in Wimbledon being on the front foot for the first half taking the game to Portsmouth, but roles were reversed in the second as the home side looked to dominate.

Here are Laurence Lowne’s takeaways from the Dons’ 2-1 loss on the South Coast.

PACE CAUSES PROBLEMS FOR DEFENDERS

Both Nesta Guinness-Walker and Paul Osew used their speed and crossing ability to open up the Pompy defence. The former won a penalty in the first half, which Palmer dispatched, while the latter continually exposed Portsmouth captain Lee Brown at left-back. Osew even had time to cut in from the right and try an audacious shot, which home keeper Gavin Bazunu had to be at his athletic best to save.

SAFE HANDS PARTIALLY FRUSTRATE POMPEY

Nik Tzanev pulled off a series of saves to deny the home side and put in a man of the match performance behind a back four who were playing together for the first time.

FLUID FORWARD PLAY

On another day, Jack Rudoni would be celebrating one or two goals, and Palmer would have one more than his penalty conversion. Both were stymied by a mixture of last-ditch defending and good goalkeeping. There were though 14 chances created, and Wimbledon supporters were delighted with what they witnessed.

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS

Much like good music there was lots to be cheered about in the Wimbledon display after a couple of less-than-pleasing-on-the-eye games in recent times.

Take that approach into the next three matches against Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Accrington Stanley and there will be plenty of vibrations of a good nature as the points tally up in a positive way.