Five takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-2 draw with Wycombe Wanderers – Rudoni and Osew impress but last-minute dagger leaves Dons to rue missed chances

Jack Rudoni gave AFC Wimbledon an early lead in the contest when he produced an astute finish at the back post with just four minutes on the clock.

It took Wycombe 70 minutes to find their equaliser – former Wimbledon forward Adebayo Akinfenwa hitting a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box over Nik Tzanev.

The Dons thought they had won it when Rudoni doubled his tally and headed a powerful shot from Egli Kaja’s cross past David Stockdale. A late penalty, conceded by Paul Osew, saw Joe Jacobson snatch two points away from the South Londoners.

Mark Robinson made one change from the side that beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 on Tuesday evening – Henry Lawrence replacing Dan Csoka.

Here are Edmund Brack’s five takeaways from Adams Park:

DONS LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES WITH LAST-MINUTE DAGGER 

Wimbledon’s early clinical conviction was missed in large spells during the afternoon after they started the game in scintillating fashion, with Rudoni sweeping home a free-flowing move that involved Osew and Ollie Palmer in the build-up.

The Dons crashed three efforts against the woodwork in the second half – Luke McCormick twice and Anthony Hartigan from long range.

Once Robinson’s side weathered Wycombe’s early onslaught in the second half, they had a 20-minute period with an abundance of chances to double their 1-0 lead and hand themselves breathing space heading into the final passage of the game.

Instead, Akinfenwa punished the missed chances to bring the contest level, forcing Wimbledon to search for and restore their advantage.

They recorded 14 shots at Stockdale’s goal but could only convert two of their chances.

MATURE RUDONI SHOWED NOUS TO TAKE THE GAME TO WYCOMBE

It was left to Jack Rudoni to grab Saturday’s game by the scruff of its neck as he imposed himself as Wimbledon’s main attacking outlet at Adams Park.

While he showed a decisive nature to take both of his goals in the 90 minutes and his nimble footwork to cause Wycombe’s defence problems all afternoon, the 20-year-old is also adding defensive output to his game.

Winning the ball back five times for his side – the most of any Wimbledon player – Rudoni was carving out opportunities of his own by regaining possession.

With outlets such as Osew, Lawrence, Assal, Palmer and McCormick all around him, Wimbledon’s attacking force is frightening when they’re in full flight.

Rudoni is Wimbledon’s top scorer this season now with seven – the highest of his professional career to date.

REVELATION PAUL OSEW CONTINUES TO IMPRESS 

Paul Osew has stepped up and shone since he assumed the role of right-back in Robinson’s side.

The 21-year-old, who was called a ‘revelation’ by his head coach last week, started the move off for Wimbledon’s first goal when he received the ball on the halfway line.

He drove at the heart of the Wycombe defence and played an intricate ball inside to the waiting Palmer, who cut the ball across the face of goal for Rudoni to smash home.

Osew is maturing game by game, and his natural ease to use either his left or right foot when crossing creates another attacking threat for the Dons.

His burst of energy and pace was required several times in the second half to relieve the pressure on the Wimbledon defence and quickly turn the phase of play into a counter-attack.

Although Osew brought down Sullay Kaikai in the final minute, which handed Wycombe the opportunity to bring the game level, it was nothing more than a small blemish on another impressive outing.

NESTA GUINNESS-WALKER AND BEN HENEGHAN WERE IMMENSE AT THE BACK 

Ben Heneghan showed how crucial he is to AFC Wimbledon in the first half.

The 28-year-old won seven aerial battles, made four clearances to sweep away the danger and helped keep Nik Tzanev’s first-half clean sheet intact.

Guinness-Walker, a left-back by trade, was playing his first game in professional football at centre-back and delivered an assured performance to help keep Sam Volkes at bay throughout the game.

Guinness-Walker made two blocks, eight clearances and didn’t commit a single foul while playing out of position.

HARTIGAN CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING  

The 21-year-old has played more than 100 games for AFC Wimbledon and has shown this season that he is an indispensable member of the starting line-up since he returned from Newport County on loan in the summer.

A report surfaced after the game that Hartigan has turned down a new deal at Plough Lane, and League One rivals Bolton Wanderers are closing in on his signature. But Hartigan showed once again against Wycombe that Wimbledon must do everything possible to keep one of the most integral parts of their team this season.

The academy graduate completed the most touches (52) and passes (42) of any Wimbledon player on Saturday, and his passing range and dead-ball expertise are crucial tools in forging attacking opportunities.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON