AFC Wimbledon 1 Wigan 1 – Flying Dobson header earns Dons a point at Plough Lane

BY SAM SMITH

George Dobson’s header earned AFC Wimbledon an important point in their battle for League One safety as they drew 1-1 with Wigan Athletic.

The midfielder struck 10 minutes from full-time to win a first home point for the Dons since they beat Gillingham on February 23.

Dobson’s goal cancelled out Jamie Proctor’s finish, which had put Wigan ahead early in the second half.

Mark Robinson’s side will feel they should have won this game. Three points would have helped the South Londoners leapfrog their fellow-struggling opponents. It perhaps encapsulated their season that they missed so many chances at Plough Lane.

However, avoiding defeat was imperative. Wimbledon remain two points from safety with a game in hand over each of the teams below 18th.

Ryan Longman caused Wigan plenty of issues. The tricky wideman played on the right of a four-man midfield but was often positioned in a front four with Joe Pigott, Ollie Palmer and Jack Rudoni.

Longman twice tested goalkeeper Jamie Jones in the first half. Pigott curled a left-footed strike wide and at one stage was almost through on goal, but for a great tackle by Tendayi Darikwa.

There was a sense that Wimbledon needed to take their chances before Wigan grew into the game. That inkling was proven true when Proctor opened the scoring.

The 28-year-old had already tested Nik Tzanev after twisting into space on the edge of the penalty area. Soon after, he controlled a low cross, swivelled, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner from around 10 yards.

Longman twice crossed into a dangerous area, only for nobody to be on hand to convert. In the end, it was third time lucky for the Brighton loanee as Dobson stormed into the box to head the 20-year-old’s delivery past Jones.

Dobson nearly turned provider in added time, but his cross only just evaded Palmer and substitute Paul Osew.

Wimbledon host South London rivals Charlton on Saturday.