It’s looking like a miracle needs to happen for AFC Wimbledon to retain League One status

BY EDMUND BRACK

The last team to stay in their respective division after a run of more than 20 games without a win was Halifax Town in the 1978-79 season, but that was only after they were re-elected.

So, to put it bluntly, nothing short of a miracle was going to be needed if AFC Wimbledon were going to survive in League One.

While the Mark Bowen reign started brightly at Sheffield Wednesday, the naivety not to see the job out until the final kick cost the Dons a vital point they were not expected to pick up.

With the gap to safety growing to four points after relegation rivals Fleetwood and Morecambe both picked up midweek wins, the Dons are staring down the relegation barrel.

Charlton, more dominant in the air and physically prepared for a battle, had the better opening period at Plough Lane.

Within the first 10 minutes, Johnnie Jackson’s side had two chances hooked off the line by valiant defending and Nik Tzanev was forced into a smart save low to his left.

There was a complete mismatch all over the pitch – it was unfair at times watching Jaydon Stockley bully Wimbledon’s back three in the early part of the encounter.

But when you glanced at the 18-man matchday squad that Charlton had to choose from, it would not be an exaggeration to say every player at Jackson’s disposal on Tuesday evening – barring the substitute goalkeeper – would improve Wimbledon’s dire situation.

The Wimbledon academy graduate trio of Zach Robinson, Jack Rudoni and Ayoub Assal showed heart and attempted to find a way past Charlton’s defence, which showed signs of vulnerability with pace and mobility.

But just as you expected Charlton to turn the screw and Wimbledon to buckle under the pressure – something that has been consistent throughout the season – Ryan Inniss was sent off seven minutes after his introduction to the game.

The centre-back was dismissed for clattering into George Marsh with both feet in the air.

What was underlined on Tuesday is that you need an experienced forward who can score goals against the run of play. Stockley headed in Charlton’s only shot effort on target in the second half to hand the visitors the lead.

The 28-year-old and his strike partner Conor Washington have 27 goals this season in all competitions – one shy of the combined total of Sam Cosgrove, Aaron Cosgrave, Robinson, Assal, Rudoni and Luke McCormick.

Wimbledon levelled through Zach Robinson in the 87th minute after Ethan Chislett’s brilliant touch past the Charlton defence and tantalising cross that just required the slightest of contacts.

It was too little too late. The collective sigh around the stadium when the referee blew for full time told you everything you needed to know – Wimbledon had missed a golden opportunity to put their destiny back into their own hands.

It leaves the Dons needing results to go in their favour in the final five games.

STAR MAN
Will Nightingale. Dealt so well with Stockley and Washington.

BEST MOMENT
Robinson’s goal. His first for the club in the league. He should lead the line for the rest of the season.