Dons do the business in Accrington – as they master conditions and opposition
BY DAVE HUNT-JACKSON
AFC Wimbledon got the better of some horrible weather conditions and below-par opposition on Tuesday night as they prevailed 2-0 at Accrington Stanley.
Dons head coach Mark Robinson named an unchanged side from the one that started the FA Cup thriller against Cheltenham. His young charges rewarded him with a fine display and three very welcome points.
Wimbledon must have wondered how they went into the break level against an Accrington side who offered almost nothing by way of an attacking threat in a very one-sided first period.
The Dons seemed to have lost their cutting edge on the journey north.
The first clear chance fell to Luke McCormick but he inexplicably attempted a flicked pass when a shot was surely the better option.
Soon afterwards Ollie Palmer had an even better opportunity but fired over from a couple of yards out with the goal gaping.
A third great opening came and went as Ayoub Assal fired tamely when put through by Jack Rudoni and his shot deflected wide.
There was still time for Ben Heneghan to see a goalbound effort blocked before the referee’s whistle spared Stanley further punishment.
Having enjoyed the wind at their backs in the first half Wimbledon began the second period on the back foot as they initially struggled to adapt with Accrington dominating the early exchanges.
It was completely against the run of play when a fine cross from Paul Osew found an unmarked McCormick, who calmly slotted past Toby Savin to put the Dons in front with just more than 30 minutes to play and claim his fifth goal of the campaign..
With the lead came a measure of composure and it was no real surprise when the South Londoners added a second with Osew again the provider, this time for Assal to finish and double the advantage.
Accrington lacked the guile or imagination to unlock a resolute Wimbledon defence and by the time Nik Tzanev was called on to make a couple of fine saves the game was already won.
STAR MAN
Paul Osew (pictured). Keeping Chelsea loanee Henry Lawrence out of the side with his fine display at right back and played a big part in both goals too.
BEST MOMENT
The jubilant team celebrating with 189 travelling supporters.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
