Szmodics double helps make it a losing start for new AFC Wimbledon head coach Robinson

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

Mark Robinson kicked off life as AFC Wimbledon head coach with a 3-0 loss at Peterborough United yesterday.

An even first-half saw Wimbledon have the best of the chances.

Midway through the first half the Dons started controlling the game, and saw good work in midfield by Darnell Taylor win the ball and set Jack Rudoni free in the penalty box, he had time to compose himself and shoot, but it was saved by keeper.

Rudoni set Ryan Longman free with an accurate pass into the box but he blasted over on the angle

Soon after a fine cross from the left by Nesta Guinness-Walker, was half cleared and fell nicely for Joe Pigott on the edge of box but his shot was high.

Peterborough did launch one or two attacks and Siriki Dembele had the home team’s best first-half effort with a full-blooded shot which was beaten away by Dons keeper Sam Walker.

Peterborough tweaked their shape just before the break and scoring two quick goals to take charge of the contest.

The first came about after winning the ball in midfield followed by swift movement, which saw  a cross come in from Dembele for Sammie Szmodics to cleanly shoot home in the 49th minute.

Just three minutes later Szmodics doubled Peteboroough’s lead from another shot from within the box to beat Walker at the far post.

Robinson introduced Shayon Harrison for his debut as he replaced Ethan Chislett.

Pigott played in Harrison, who found Longman within the penalty box, but his shot was saved at the second attempt by Pym. Unfortunately Harrison suffered an injury in the move and he was stretchered off and replaced by Cheye Alexander on 67 minutes.

Peterborough look an accomplished side and they could easily have added to their two goals, except for some shoddy finishing.

There were questions over Joe Ward being offside in the build up to Jonson Clarke-Harris scoring their third in the 90th minute. `

The scoreline was harsh. There was much for Robinson to be proud about from the first-half performance.