AFC Wimbledon collect League Two three-point haul as former Charlton striker continues to impress

2 October 2022 Sports Reporter

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

Wimbledon came from a goal down to take the lead for the second week running, and this time the team secured a win and a very welcome three points.

While the performance was not elegant or cultured, there was much to admire about the industry of Josh Davison up front, the tireless running and trickery of Ayoub Assal, the leadership of captain Lee Brown and the tackling of Harry Pell in midfield.

Then, just when you need him, there was a brilliant save at the end by Nik Tzanev to stop an equaliser.

Some seven minutes of added time perplexed home supporters and left them nervous until referee Tom Reeves blew his final whistle, since seeing out games had been quite a challenge this season.

Colchester United came to Plough Lane with an even worse record than Wimbledon and changed their manager on Friday, appointing Matt Bloomfield as head coach.

New manager bounce was feared, but Wimbledon had new managing director bounce as Danny Macklin was confirmed in the role, with a start in November.

What would have pleased Macklin was a tremendous attendance on a day of train strikes as 7,328 packed into Plough Lane in the sunshine and warmth.

Colchester took the lead in the 18th minute. Former Don Kwesi Appiah showed his ability in the air heading home Dan Chesters’ fine cross. Home supporters had seen his ability in two spells at Kingsmeadow, and both Appiah and home supporters milked the opportunity.

After the game Appiah said: ‘The fans were fair, and I expected a degree of banter from them. No disappointment.”

Colchester failed to build on the lead and just two minutes into the second half, Wimbledon were level as Josh Davison got on the end of a left-side cross.

It was scrappy defending, but the alert Davison took full advantage.

He doubled his tally and made it 2-0 via the penalty spot after some brilliant individual skill by Ayoub Assal drew a foul from former Wimbledon youth player Ossama Ashley.

Then at the end of the game Nik Tzanev came to the rescue when he tipped a shot from John Akinde around the post.

All in all Wimbledon “deserved a bit of good fortune” as manager Johnnie Jackson admitted and the very welcome three points.

Wimbledon showed they can see out a game and earn three points, although they were a little nervy at times.

Tzanev is a fine shotstopper but, as they say, a keeper is only as good as his defence. All the players put their bodies on the line by blocking, clearing and heading the ball away.

Brown as captain is a revelation and he loves the role – urging his team-mates to do more and leading by example with runs forward and tracking back.

Davison has four goals in 11 league matches leading the Wimbledon attack, going in where it hurts and forming an excellent partnership with the exciting Assal.

The mixture of old and young heads as evidenced by Isaac Ogundere and Jack Currie, alongside vastly travelled Pell in midfield, who having played for Colchester previously made for an afternoon where commitment was never lacking.