What we learned from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-1 defeat at Stevenage – Al-Hamadi is a gem but Steve Evans’ style of play strangled the game

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson made numerous changes to the starting eleven following the Salford City defeat.

Some were enforced by injuries to Aaron Pierre and Sam Pearson, which saw the experienced Chris Gunter and Lee Brown reinstated to the starting 11. Cambridge loanee Saikou Janneh was also brought back into the starting line-up in this clash with promotion-chasing Stevenage.

The changes didn’t seem to stop Stevenage, who took the lead in the fourth minute from a poorly defended free kick, which saw the unchallenged Jordan Roberts score from a knock-down in the penalty box.

Keeper Nik Tzanev was left unprotected on this occasion and cannot be faulted for the goal. The New Zealand keeper proved during the remainder of the match that his handling of the ball around the penalty box was good and accurate.

Hi distribution remains a challenge, and that is more down to outfield players failing to make themselves quickly available. Stevenage, true to Steve Evans’ managerial style, pressed high, strangling the game and removing any space players might find.

For all the anguish about Evans down the years, there is one thing that is certain, his teams play in a certain way. Pressing is high on their agenda, together with a combative style in midfield, which often oversteps the mark, and another weak referee Jeff Bell failed to clamp down across the 90 minutes but still found time to book the home manager.

Wimbledon, though, responded to that early set-back and were level within seven minutes as live wire, Ali Al-Hamadi, scored his ninth of the season.

And more might have followed as Lee Brown popped into a couple of crosses. First up was Will Nightingale, who was inches from putting the Dons in front as his header hit the post and bounced away. Kasey McAteer then saw his shot go narrowly wide.

That was as good as it got, as the experienced Stevenage side took a vice-like control of proceedings.

The second half followed in much the same way. As Stevenage pressed, Wimbledon’s left-back Jack Currie, unfortunately, made an error with his header back to keeper Tzanev, allowing Stevenage’s Jamie Reid to nip in and chip home their second and winning goal.

The defeat left the 694 visiting Wimbledon supporters frustrated, which included many club volunteers, who were thanked by the club and sponsor Cherry Red Records for their help in making the club work.

WHAT WE LEARNED:

• Missing flair players like Sam Pearson and Armani Little meant the Wimbledon defence had few outlets to relieve the pressure from Stevenage’s combative pressing style. One positive was Saikou Janneh, who ran and ran and probably had his best game in Wimbledon colours.
• Supporters of a certain age can remember how loud keepers communicated to defenders about potential danger. Dickie Guy and later Dave Beasant made sure everyone knew when a ball should be cleared into Row Z. Is this a modern thing? Whilst Nik Tzanev made a welcome return with clean catches from crosses, is there more he could do to help his defence? He was faultless for both goals conceded.
• Ali Al-Hamadi looks an absolute gem and, at times, has to feed off scraps. Even without the injured Sam Pearson, he found time and space to add to his goal tally.