MK 2 AFC Wimbledon 1 – Marcus Forss scores on debut but Dons pay price for squandering chances
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Marcus Forss scored on his AFC Wimbledon debut but it only proved to be a consolation as they lost in Milton Keynes.
The loan signing from Brentford was brought on in the closing stages and headed home from a very tight angle after a deep cross was sent over by Paul Kalambayi.
The Dons are still winless in League One and in the bottom three. They paid a heavy price for failing to do better with the opportunities that came their way.
Sam Nombe gave the home side the lead on 10 minutes as he held off the challenge of Kalambayi before striking beyond Joe McDonnell, the ball hitting both posts on its way into the net.
The greater purpose of Paul Tisdale’s side in the opening stages was highlighted when they got a second goal. A patient passing move eventually saw Rhys Healey step inside Will Nightingale – no-one showed the urgency to close the attacker down before he drove low into the bottom left corner.
Wimbledon did have a couple of chances but Kwesi Appiah and Joe Pigott both headed good opportunities straight at MK keeper Lee Nicholls. Pigott also sent a speculative 25-yarder over the bar.
That gave the Dons some hope a comeback could still be fashioned.
Manager Wally Downes made changes at the break with Michael Folivi and Brighton loanee Max Sanders brought on at the start of the second half with Terrell Thomas and Scott Wagstaff replaced. They also switched to a 3-4-3 formation.
Appiah sent another effort well over from a good position close in and he also set up Folivi but Nicholls was out quickly to block.
Forss’ goal was certainly well-taken. The Finnish attacker looked to have it all to do but managed to direct his header beyond the MK keeper.
Centre-back Kalambayi had a huge opportunity to salvage a point in stoppage time but headed a corner just wide from five yards out. At the full-time whistle he angrily kicked the ball away and dropped to the turf – his frustration only too apparent.
PICTURES BY SEAN GOSLING