Dons let two-goal lead slip once again – as Quinn’s amateur dramatics coax ref into Gunter red card

BY DAVE HUNT-JACKSON

Ten-man AFC Wimbledon threw away a 2-0 lead for the second game running as Mansfield Town took full advantage of a numerical advantage handed them by a combination of Chris Gunter’s lack of composure, Stephen Quinn’s amateur dramatics and referee Benjamin Speedie’s lack of ability.

The Dons had already blown the lead by the time Gunter saw red, but any chance of salvaging a point or more departed along with the Welsh defender on Tuesday night.

Dons boss Johnnie Jackson made just one change to the starting line up with Nathan Young-Coombes rewarded for his weekend brace against Doncaster with a start at the expense of Ethan Chislett.

Young-Coombes rewarded his manager’s faith almost immediately as his through ball provided the assist for Josh Davison, who rifled his first Dons goal through the legs of Stags keeper Christy Pym.

The same combination doubled the lead in the 16th minute, a fine stooping header from the Dons’ number nine from his strike partner’s excellent cross.

But, just as on Saturday, the Dons’ skills up front were not matched at the back as their defensive frailties came to the fore with Jack Currie earning a booking for a foul on George Lapslie and Rhys Oates halving the deficit from the resulting penalty.

It was former Charlton midfielder Lapslie who drew the hosts level with an unchallenged header that gave Nik Tzanev in the Dons goal absolutely no chance.

Still worse was to come before the break as Gunter reacted to Quinn kicking the ball in his face, having fouled him, by pushing the Mansfield man to the floor.

You would have thought Gunter had hit him with a left hook by the manner in which Quinn theatrically clutched his face. The result was a red card for the Dons’ number two and only a yellow for his opponent.

It sent Wimbledon into the break a man down and with a mountain to climb.

Given how easily Wimbledon had shipped four goals against Gillingham and Doncaster – and then two more in eight first-half minutes – holding out for 45 minutes against 11 men was always going to be a tall order.

Jackson responded by taking off Young-Coombes and left Davison as a lone striker. In doing so he invited Manfield to attack with impunity for the entire second half and they needed no further invitation.

It took the home side just 11 minutes to grab the lead as George Maris’ deflected shot found it’s way into the corner of the net.

With Mansfield enjoying almost all the possession the rest of the half was always going to be about damage limitation and even that proved too much as Riley Harbottle and Will Swan, the latter from an offside position, made the final scoreline all too emphatic.

Jackson will be delighted with the performance of what will hopefully now be his starting strikeforce, along with an impressive little cameo at the end from Quaine Bartley, but he has much to address before tomorrow’s trip to Crawley.

In short Wimbledon need to sort out their defence and learn to adjust to a league of physical and cynical opposition and less able referees than they were used to in League One. How the Dons react against a Crawley side with just a point so far this campaign may well define their season.

STAR MAN
Josh Davison. Ran the line tirelessly on his own in the second half having scored his first Wimbledon goals in the first period.

BEST MOMENT
Nathan Young-Coombes’ perfect cross, met by Davison’s head, to double the Dons’ lead. This was their first start together yet they look as if they have been playing as a pair for years.