What we learnt from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-1 win at Colchester – 10 games unbeaten in League Two as Davison ends goal wait and Hudlin plays important second-half role

Laurence Lowne reports from the Jobserve Community Stadium

With the red card rescinded from Monday’s match, Kyle Hudlin found himself starting from the bench, with George Marsh taking his place and the team reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match at Colchester.

A very cagey first half of few chances saw neither ream really threaten but commit plenty of fouls in a very stop-start game, which referees Lee Swabey handled well and kept a lid on proceedings by showing three yellow cards to home players when things might boil over.`

However, the second half woke everyone from their slumber.

Within 90 seconds of the restart, Wimbledon’s Ayoub Assal’s full-blooded shot was saved within the six-yard box by home keeper Kieran O’Hara.

Minutes later, away keeper Nik Tzanev brought down Colchester’s Samson Tovide for a clear penalty award. 

John Akinde made no mistake in giving Colchester the lead.

In the 62nd minute, Jackson had seen enough, withdrawing the injured Jack Currie and midfielder George Marsh to be replaced by fit again Lee Brown and Kyle Hudlin, respectively.

Hudlin had something to prove and proceeded to win every ball in the air with directed headers finding teammates repeatedly. Colchester could not get near him.

The second half was now an open game with both sides pushing forward.

The equaliser came from quick thinking from Lee Brown, who found Assal, who crossed to the near post for Josh Davison to guide his header home – his first goal since Harrogate in October. 

The winning goal, when it arrived, came late in the 89th minute as Ethan Chislett delivered once again, poaching a goal from the keeper failing to hold a shot.

This was a carbon copy of an earlier shot Huseyin Biler had had, but no one gambled on a potential poaching opportunity. The Wimbledon bench spotted this and gave the green light for Chislett to drive forward in support, and the reward came along.

There was a late scare as Ryley Towler cleared off the line when Colchester pressed for an equaliser deep into added time.

What we learned: 

• Wimbledon are made of sterner stuff and battled well to turn a deficit into a win and extend their unbeaten run to ten league matches. 
• Never ever bet against Josh Davison – he may not have scored for a couple of months, but give him half a chance, and he will find the net. He could have had two.

• Kyle Hudlin overcame his shocking red card on Monday to fully contribute in the second half and help the team win. In that sort of mood, he will win plaudits from supporters. 
• Huseyin Biler found time to get forward from his defensive duties and power in two shots from more than 20 yards, which the keeper was unable to hold. No Wimbledon player gambled on the first loose ball, but the second one saw Chislett benefit and secure the win. 
• Sutton United awaits on New Year’s Day in the Thameslink Derby, and there are some wounds to heal for Wimbledon players and supporters alike.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON