Ronan Curtis sees red as AFC Wimbledon secure point in Harrogate draw to keep in play-off contention

BY MILLY DORE

AFC Wimbledon were reduced to 10 men as they picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Harrogate Town on Good Friday.

Johnnie Jackson’s men impressed within the first five minutes as they dominated their opponents. 

However, Harrogate attacked down the left-hand side and Matty Daly hit a clean shot past Wimbledon keeper Alex Bass in the eighth minute to give the visitors the lead.

While there were pockets of brilliance, it was a very flat half from both sides with neither team able to secure a goal. Crystal Palace loanee John-Kymani Gordon – despite showcasing his speed and skill continuously throughout the half – was unable to connect with his teammates, resulting in his efforts not being rewarded with an equaliser.

The Dons immediately picked up the pace in the second half as Ronan Curtis narrowly headed over Kofi Balmer’s ship into the box just a minute into the start of the 45.

But Jake Reeves sent a free-kick into the box 10 minutes later, which saw Curtis lash a shot into the back of the net past Harrogate keeper James Belshaw.

Celebrations were short-lived for Curtis and the Dons. Only three minutes later, referee Ben Speedie showed the former Portsmouth winger a controversial straight red card for a challenge on Harrogate’s Jack Levi Sutton. 

Jackson’s Dons dug in, despite being a man down, and both sides had chances to score. 

Jeremy Sivi drove forward for the visitors late on but smashed his effort over the bar. 

Dons defender Joe Lewis, who was making his first appearance since mid-January, saw his 94th-minute header saved. 

Jackson was booked by referee Speedie after the final whistle.

The point kept Wimbledon firmly in the hunt for the final play-off spot and moved a point away from seventh-placed Gillingham.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD