Dons can’t hold onto a point at promotion-chasing Portsmouth as Wagstaff sees red

Portsmouth 2 AFC Wimbledon 1

By Toby Porter

AFC Wimbledon were beaten by a late goal from former Millwall striker John Marquis – and to make matters worse they lost defender Scott Wagstaff who was dimissed with six minutes of normal time to go.

Kenny Jackett’s men, now level on points with sixth-placed Sunderland after this victory, dominated possession and hit the net through Marcus Harness in the 20th minute.

But Glyn Hodges’ side hit back through Joe Pigott soon after the hour.

Marquis restored the hosts’ lead in the 79th minute and the visitors’ frustration showed late on as former Charlton star Wagstaff was shown a second yellow card which pretty much sealed their fate.

The Dons as a result lost ground on rivals Milton Keynes, who moved a point ahead of them, after a 1-1 draw at Coventry. Tranmere, in the last relegation spot, also pulled a point back on the Kingsmeadow side after a 0-0 draw at Southend.