Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 0-0 draw against Morecambe – Woodyard underlines his importance as side lack scoring touch

It was a frustrating afternoon for Mark Robinson’s AFC Wimbledon side, as they failed to turn a dominant performance against a fellow relegation rival, Morecambe, into all three points on Saturday.

Head coach Mark Robinson was forced to make two changes from the side that lost 1-0 away to Milton Keynes last weekend – Anthony Hartigan, who missed out through injury, and Nesta Guinness-Walker, who was sent off at Stadium MK, allowed George Marsh and Paul Osew to come into the side.

Here are Edmund Brack’s four takeaways from Plough Lane.

DONS DO EVERYTHING RIGHT BUT MISS SCORING TOUCH

While the green shoots of recovery and the relentless nature of their game were evident for all to see, the performance was overshadowed by Wimbledon’s inability to convert one of their 15 shots.

The South Londoners were the dominant force in the first half but were lacking and missing Anthony Hartigan’s ability to unlock defences and carve out opportunities of note.

Come the second half, the Dons began to attack persistently, denying Morecambe out of their own half and taking shots at any opportunity.

Ollie Palmer battled away against the Morcambe defence and constantly brought Luke McCormick, Ayoub Assal and Jack Rudoni into play throughout the game.

Palmer, the subject of a bid from Wrexham, forced Trevor Carson into a handful of intelligent stops, and Ayoub Assal smashed a shot from the edge of the box off the woodwork in the 73rd minute.

DONS MUST TIE DOWN WOODYARD

If you needed any proof of how crucial Alex Woodyard is to Mark Robinson’s AFC Wimbledon side, his performance at Plough Lane on Saturday showcased that.

The Dons captain must have covered every blade of grass on multiple occasions throughout the 90 minutes – Wimbledon fans suggested after the game that Woodyard was born with a third lung due to his tireless work rate.

Woodyard is the centrepiece of the side, and he has played every single minute of the League One season under Robinson.

The 28-year-old won three tackles, completed the most passes (60), had the most touches (72) and turned over possession twice.

While Wimbledon have moved towards a more sustainable approach, where young players are brought in, developed and sold on for a profit, if the board needed any clarification of how integral Woodyard is, Saturday proved everything.

MARSH GETS HIS CHANCE

Primarily down to the partnership of Alex Woodyard and Anthony Hartigan flourishing into one of the best in the division, George Marsh has had to bide his time since arriving from Spurs on a free in the summer.

Making his third start in the league under Robinson, Marsh was energetic, not afraid to execute a tackle in the centre of the pitch, and looked at ease alongside Woodyard.

He doesn’t possess the passing range that Hartigan does, but not many midfielders in the third tier do. However, what Marsh does best is offer the same tenacity and bite to aid Woodyard in shutting down the ability for the opposition to play through the middle.

MORE EXPERIENCE IN DEFENCE LEADS TO A CLEAN SHEET

A combination of Will Nightingale and Ben Heneghan’s impenetrable partnership, Cheye Alexander’s experience and Paul Osew’s enthusiasm secured only Wimbledon’s third clean sheet of the League One campaign.

The Dons defence kept Carl Stockton – one of League One’s most potent forwards this season with 15 goals in 23 appearances – at bay.

Nightingale (five) and Heneghan (three) won eight aeriel battles between them, and Osew made a vital interception from a cross to thwart Jonah Ayunga at the back post.

Osew’s ability to get forward, play a pinpoint cross into the box, and get back into his defensive position before the ball has crossed the halfway line is a vital asset to the side.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON