The lowdown on Wimbledon 3 Milton Keynes 0 – Dominant display from Jackson’s side as they lay down League Two marker

AFC Wimbledon laid down a marker with a confident and comprehensive 3-0 victory over their fierce rivals Milton Keynes at Plough Lane on Saturday lunchtime. 

Here is Alex Grace’s lowdown on the match from SW19:

THE LINE-UPS

AFC Wimbledon: Goodman, Ogundere, Lewis, Harbottle; Neufville (Maycock 55′), Smith (Ball 80′), Reeves, Hippolyte, Tilley (Furlong 80′), Stevens (Kelly 73′), Bugiel (Pigott 73′).

Subs not used: Ward, O’Toole.

Milton Keynes: McGill, Gilbey (White 72′), Kelly, Tomlinson, Nemane (Harrison 84′), Offord, Leigh (Wearne 56′) Hendry, Maguire, Lemonheigh-Evans, Tripp (Finch 71′).

Subs not used: Harness, Tucker, Williams.

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

Wimbledon started the game in a fast-paced manner and they were in front inside 11 minutes. 

They were awarded an indirect free kick after Tom McGill was penalised for picking up a back pass, and Myles Hippolyte’s deflected shot found the net.

The home side continued to create chances – James Tilley’s shot in the 19th minute was well saved. 

Tilley then crossed for Riley Harbottle, who headed over from close range. 

Matty Stevens went close at the start of the second half, but his shot dropped wide of the far post.

Wimbledon doubled their lead in the closing stages, Josh Kelly’s cross finding Callum Maycock to seal a fourth win in five league games. 

Just to top it off, in the final moments of stoppage time, Maycock doubled his tally, slotting home another Kelly ball.

TACTICAL APPROACH

Johnnie Jackson made three changes to the side that beat Fleetwood Town 1-0 last time out. 

Isaac Ogundere replaced Ryan Johnson, who was injured, in the back three. James Tilley came in for James Furlong, who took a place on the bench. 

The final change was up front with Stevens starting alongside Omar Bugiel as Jackson stuck with the 3-5-2 formation. 

STAR MAN

Myles Hippolyte – The lively midfield man was once again at the heart of all the good things AFC Wimbledon did. 

He deserved his goal and could have had an assist if some of his team-mates could have been a bit more clinical in the final third. 

The former Stockport man is a real danger in the attacking third – all three of his efforts were on target. Had it not been for McGill in goal, he could have had at least one more goal to his name. 

He caused the Milton Keynes defence issues all afternoon. 

BEST MOMENT

Callum Maycock sealing the points for the Dons with his second goal in the 97th minute. A moment that meant so much at Plough Lane. 

It’s only the fourth time that the Wombles have beaten their rivals in a competitive outing. 

The atmosphere in the stadium when that goal went in was special as it not only secured the win and three points.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Wimbledon’s final third issue.

Johnnie Jackson would have been fuming if his side had not won this game, as it would have been down to their lack of killer instinct in the final third. 

Having over 20 shots in the game but only managing six of them on target, this an area that, as the season goes on, the side will need to improve on.

Another thing that would have disappointed the Dons boss would have been how his side dropped off for periods in both halves, allowing the away side to just dominate the ball. 

Despite this, they failed to cause the Dons any problems, with Owen Goodman being a spectator for much of the game. 

A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB

How far can Wimbledon go this season?

Victory here put them top of the table ahead of the 3pm kick-offs in League Two. 

Last season was one where the Dons started well but faded towards the latter part of the season. 

It’s now four wins out of five for Jackson’s men, and there is growing confidence in SW19 that it could be the season where they make a real charge to get themselves back to League One.

WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY

“It felt good because of the significance of the game. Felt good because it’s another three points on our road. 

“Listen, our objective is bigger than just today. We want to get out of the league, and today it was important that we added to our tally. It obviously puts us in a good position.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD