Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury – Marsh shines, attacking trio click in first half and Lee Brown impresses on debut

Daniel Udoh’s second-half strike cancelled out a 13th-minute opener from Ayoub Assal as the points were shared in South London.

Mark Robinson made three changes from the side that lost 2-0 on Tuesday night to Ipswich Town. New signing Lee Brown came straight into the side, Terry Ablade made his first start, and Will Nightingale returned to the starting line up.

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

LEE BROWN SHOWS WHAT WIMBLEDON NEEDED

While he is a signing very much against the new AFC Wimbledon approach, the 31-year-old showed from the first whistle why he will quickly endear himself to the Plough Lane faithful.

Brown was marshalling the backline and diaplayed the experience that the Dons have missed in recent weeks. He was constantly looking to find one of the darting runs from Ayoub Assal or Ethan Chislett down the left hand side.

Brown was central to everything. He completed the most passes (63) and had the most touches (71) of any player in a Wimbledon shirt.

The experienced left-back also showcased his astute decision-making to clear the ball away from the penalty area when the Dons started to crumble under Shrewsbury’s pressure.

He fitted seamlessly into the side and looked at home in an AFC Wimbledon shirt.

IT JUST CLICKED IN THE FIRST HALF

While the Dons have shown in recent weeks that they are well-versed in the art of defending and have adopted a no-nonsense approach at the back, the last time they scored a League One goal at Plough Lane was November 27.

They had been missing a rhythm going forward – a real lack of cohesion. But for 45 minutes on Saturday it clicked back into gear.

With the trio of Ethan Chislett, Ayoub Assal, and Jack Rudoni working effectively behind Terry Ablade, the relentless press and interchanging style of play saw the exciting Dons back to their very best.

It felt as though, at times in the first half, that if they could double their goal advantage, Wimbledon would have put Shrewsbury to the sword and produced a performance akin to one at the back end of last season.

Assal took his early chance well to plant a header past Marko Marosi. Chislett continued to show the desire and work ethic that has seen him win a place back in the starting line up – and Rudoni showed flashes of creative brilliance that have caught the attention of suitors higher up in the football pyramid.

GEORGE MARSH SHINES ONCE AGAIN

The 23-year-old has been outstanding since coming into the AFC Wimbledon side. Marsh appears to get better game by game, and the energy and tenacity that he brings to the midfield are now indispensable to Robinson.

With a combination of injury and Alex Woodyard and Anthony Hartigan’s exemplary form keeping Marsh out of the side, the free summer signing has found game time limited since he left Tottenham.

Marsh was voted ‘Man of the Match’ by the Wimbledon fans on Saturday. He won four tackles during the 90 minutes, made four clearances and was only dribbled past once.

Marsh’s importance to the side could see a switch in formation at Plough Lane once the duo return to full fitness, as his performances have certainly warranted his place in the starting line up.

DONS NEED A FORWARD 

It could be the worst kept secret in South London, but it is essential that the AFC Wimbledon transfer committee do all they can to replace Ollie Palmer before Monday night’s deadline.

Terry Ablade looked bright on his first start in men’s professional football – he was a real threat when latching on to passes over the top and is naturally suited to the pressing style of play. Aaron Cosgrave brought energy to the side when he was introduced in the 73rd minute.

However, there was still a physical and experienced presence missing from the side – someone to win clever fouls high up the pitch to relieve the pressure and that eye for goal.

Wimbledon have drawn the most games in League One this season (11) and they need a player who can start turning these performances into all three points.

It has to be an experienced player who can hit the ground running – the young and energetic options are already available in abundance.