Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 1-1 draw at Burton Albion

AFC Wimbledon drew 1-1 at Burton Albion yesterday. Here Dave Hunt-Jackson provides his four takeaways from the League One match.

Ollie Palmer’s 70th minute finish ended the Dons’ wait for a goal – after five successive blanks – but Daniel Jebbison levelled soon after.

MEBUDE LOOKS A DIFFERENT PLAYER

Dapo Mebude arrived with a bang and his excellent solo effort in the draw with Bolton gave the Dons’ supporters much cause for optimism before the Watford loanee rather lost his way, and with it, his place in the starting line up. On Saturday’s showing that early promise is starting to be fulfilled. Starting for the second competitive match the Scottish youngster was a thorn in Burton’s side with his pace and power and excellent foil for Ollie Palmer, who again led the line superbly. A powerful run in the first half was lacking only a slightly more composed finish. Although he gave way again shortly after the hour mark it meant Ayoub Assal had the luxury of being able to run at tired defenders.

“WE’VE SCORED A GOAL, WE’VE SCORED A GOAL”

The travelling Dons support had little more than five minutes to celebrate their first goal since December 11 as some poor defending allowed their hosts to grab an equaliser after Joe Powell’s run into the Wimbledon box went unchallenged.

It was a shame because Ollie Palmer’s excellent finish after Ayoub Assal and Jack Rudoni had set him free was worthy of winning a lively encounter and had Assal shown a little more composure he would have won it but instead blazed two good chances over the bar.

It has to be hoped that the Dons’ failure to keep all three points does not prove too costly as they are now just one point above the dreaded drop zone and heading into their all too familiar fight for League One survival.

SO MUCH MORE SOLID WITH NIGHTINGALE AT THE BACK
Though they missed out on a third successive clean sheet the Wimbledon defence continues to look so much more solid with both Will Nightingale and now Ben Heneghan back in the centre as Paul Osew continues to impress at both ends of the pitch.

It is unlikely that the visitors’ back line will face a livelier pair than Burton’s Daniel Jebbison and Gassan Ahadme but for the most part they were more than a match for the Brewers’ frontline. Head coach Mark Robinson will no doubt be praying that his two first choice centre-backs can stay fit and healthy for the crucial final third of the season.

TZANEV JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER

Wimbledon continue to use their Kiwi shotstopper as a “sweeper keeper” and he continues to grow into the role. Despite a couple of notable setbacks, Morecambe and the recent Franchise game spring to mind, he seems to grow in confidence and ability commanding not only his area but at times most of his half. Both his judgement and distribution are increasing reliable too.

With points at a premium and games coming thick and fast, Wimbledon are lucky to have a keeper every bit as reliable as any in League One. He remains a fine shotstopper to boot.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON