Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-0 loss at home to Lincoln – 19 without a win, who is going to step up and become the figurehead in the fight for survival?

A first-half strike from Lewis Fiorini opened the scoring at Plough Lane when he was given the luxury of time and space to pick his target and shoot from distance past AFC Wimbledon keeper Nik Tzanev.

Despite going down to 10 men when Brooke Norton-Cuffy was sent off for a push on Lee Brown, John Marquis’ determination to close down Nik Tzanev and set up Teddy Bishop to roll the ball home in the 84th minute wrapped up all three points for the visitors.

Here are Edmund Brack’s takeaways from Plough Lane.

FAILURE TO CAPITALISE ON BRIGHT START WAS PUNISHED

AFC Wimbledon were the better side but failed to capitalise on their chances and gave away a needless second goal as they recorded their 19th game in all competitions without a win on Saturday.

It was once again a bright start from Robinson’s side, as the front four of Zach Robinson, Jack Rudoni, Dapo Mebude and Ayoub Assal played intelligent and incisive passes around the Lincoln defence to drag themselves towards goal.

There was a sense of urgency in their game too – players were shouting to take free-kicks quickly to maintain their early momentum.

But, similar to the positive start on Tuesday night against Plymouth, there was a lack of a focal point up top and an inability to create a clear goalscoring threat.

And then, without Lincoln having shown any attacking adventure of note in the first 38 minutes, Lewis Fiorini opened the scoring with a strike from distance under relatively little pressure from any Wimbledon players.

It felt routine – as though the Dons had been waiting for this moment to come.

NINETEEN WITHOUT A WIN, BUT DONS SHOW GLIMMER OF FIGHT 

It felt as though every player wearing a Wimbledon shirt knew the second 45 minutes mattered – players chased the referee down, management were in deep discussion with the fourth official for every challenge, and every pass and decision had added meaning and consequences.

The South Londoners went close twice in the second half as they explored every avenue to claw their way back into the game.

 Zach Robinson, making his first start in professional football, flashed two efforts over that the 19-year-old created himself.

This was a Wimbledon side showing fight and a dogged determination to try and earn a vital point in their survival battle. They even displayed a hint of League One nous when Brooke Norton-Cuffy pushed over Lee Brown, and the Wimbledon players hounded the referee into a red card decision.

But, ultimately, the Dons could not find a goal back into the game, and despite the referee playing his part in the occasion, they cannot rely on external factors working in their favour in the survival fight.

John Marquis eventually punished the Dons in the 84th minute when he closed down Tzanev’s heavy touch and cut back to Teddy Bishop to sentence Wimbledon to a 19th game without a win.

Wimbledon had more passes, touches and shots, but it was experience and options off the bench that won all three points on the day.

LUKE McCORMICK SHINES IN A DEEPER ROLE

Luke McCormick started the game in a slightly deeper position alongside Alex Woodyard and stood out in a role where he could dictate the play.

The 23-year-old had the second most touches (54) and passes (43) of any AFC Wimbledon player. McCormick was also a threat picking the ball up in the centre of the pitch and driving it towards goal, registering three dribbles during his 82 minutes on the pitch.

With Sam Cosgrove and Aaron Pressley injured, McCormick’s ability to unlock defences from a midfield role could be key in supplying the forward line with chances and carving their way through a side without having to go long.

WHO IS GOING TO GRAB SURVIVAL BY THE SCRUFF OF ITS NECK?

There are nine games left of the League One campaign and a chance for someone to write their name into the club’s folk law.

Lincoln’s back three – Regan Poole, TJ Eyoma and Joe Walsh – had a field day winning aerial battles against the brave, but not imposing, Mebude and Robinson. The pair constantly stayed involved in the game and attempted to find a route to goal.

With Sam Cosgrove failing to hit the ground running and create an instant rapport with the creative sparks around him, could the duo of Mebude and Robinson be the saviours of AFC Wimbledon’s season?

Or will it be one of Jack Rudoni or Ayoub Assal – two players who have been touted for a much higher level than League One very early in their fledgling careers?

Whoever plays the influential role in potentially keeping the Dons in the third tier could be remembered in the same bracket as Aaron Ramsdale and Joe Pigott for their monumental efforts in turning this season around.

Whatever happens, there will need to be an autopsy conducted on AFC Wimbledon’s season.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD