The lowdown on AFC Wimbledon 4 Colchester 2 – An embarrassment of riches in the striker department as the wing-backs thrive in back five

AFC Wimbledon came from 2-0 down to claim a 4-2 win against Colchester and get their 2024-25 League Two campaign off to a winning start.

Here is Edmund Brack’s lowdown on the match from Plough Lane: 

THE LINE-UPS

AFC Wimbledon: Goodman, Furlong, Johnson, Lewis, Ogundere, Neufville, Smith, Reeves, Ball (Maycock 89), Stevens (Kelly 75), Bugiel (Pigott 75).

Subs: Ward, Biler, Tilley, Hippolyte.

Colchester: Macey, Iandolo, Goodliffe (Kelleher 60), Flanagan, Tovide (Edwards 68), Payne, Gordon, Hopper, Read, Hunt (Egbo 77), Ihionvien (Bishop 68).

Subs: Smith, Bendle, Woodyard.

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

AFC Wimbledon’s start to the new season got off to the worst possible start, with a double from Ben Goodliffe giving Colchester a 2-0 lead after nine minutes.

But first-half goals from James Ball, Jake Reeves and Matty Stevens saw the Dons complete the turnaround.

Omar Bugiel wrapped up the scoring early in the second half as the Dons secured all three points in their opening day clash.

TACTICAL APPROACH

Johnnie Jackson has chosen to start the season with Wimbledon playing five at the back – a formation which has caused a lot of debate over the summer.

James Furlong and Josh Neufville lined up as the wing-backs, with both players growing into the game and putting in strong performances after the shaky start.

The two full-backs got forward well, with Neufville’s pace causing problems.

The three-man midfield of Alistair Smith, Jake Reeves and James Ball dominated Colchester’s Jack Payne and Arthur Read.

Matty Stevens pressed Colchester’s backline, while Omar Bugiel used his presence at the top of the pitch.

STAR MAN

Alistair Smith. Incredibly composed on the ball and won a handful of important battles in the centre of the pitch. Unlucky not to score. Will be a fans’ favourite.

BEST MOMENT

Matty Stevens’ penalty. A really quick turnaround and good for the ex-Forest Green forward to get off the mark.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

It took just 50 seconds for AFC Wimbledon to start the season on the back foot and take the oomph out of Plough Lane.

Ben Goodliffe had caused Jackson’s side a lot of problems during his time at Sutton and his physical presence gave Colchester an early 2-0 lead.

In a league dominated by height and power, the Dons will quickly have to get up to speed with defending set-pieces and corners.

A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB

There were several questions after the 2-0 pre-season defeat to National League side Barnet about whether playing five at the back would really produce an exciting brand of football for Wimbledon fans.

Yes, is the answer based on the evidence of today.

Neufville and James Furlong both played important roles in the goals and continually got forward well to join in on the attack.

The Dons want another right-wing back in this summer window to compete with Neufville and Huseyin Biler – it looks like the set-up that Jackson will be going with in his third full season in charge.

WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY

“For the boys to bounce back from, let’s face it, a nightmare start to the season, 2-0 down after 10 minutes couldn’t get any worse.

“To turn it round so quickly – fair play.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD