What we learned from AFC Wimbledon’s 1-1 draw at Newport – Bristol City loanee impresses but Harry Pell is a miss

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

With Josh Davison reporting a twinge in training, Manager Johnnie Jackson took him out of the firing line for this visit to South Wales, which meant Ali Al-Hamadi started up front on his own.

AFC Wimbledon were soon rewarded with a goal within five minutes after a high-tempo start following fine work by Sam Pearson, who laid the ball back to Chris Gunter, and in turn, slung in a delightful cross, which all the defenders missed.

Al-Hamadi calmly brought the ball under control and secured his sixth goal of the season from ten yards out, which delighted the 351 visiting supporters amongst the 4051 attendance.

That, though, was as good as it gets since, at the other end of the game, centre-back Alex Pearce limped off in a serious amount of pain to be replaced by Will Nightingale for the very last seconds of the time allowed by the referee, Tom Reeves, who handled the match well.

The lengthening injury list has become a serious worry for manager Jackson, who has been unable to name a full bench for a number of matches.

With three youngsters recalled from loan spells, the full bench gave a psychological boost to the team.

After much pressure, Newport did deservedly secure an equaliser following a sequence of corners and long throws in the 69th minute, but Wimbledon stood firm and collected a point.

Now Saturday and Crawley Town at home beckons, and Jackson’s patched-up team would love a win, as would supporters.

What we learned:

• The assured handling in goal by Nik Tzanev brought a semblance of calmness to the defence, which was once again much changed due to injury.

 

• With only one shot on target, it meant Wimbledon were under pressure for much of the game, and the midfield had to work really hard to keep Newport at bay. Although they caused concern with a series of long throws and corners, the team were rarely stretched.

 

• Sam Pearson is a delight to watch. Loads of confidence, no shortage of skill and an eye for a pass, he did much in the first half to set the team free of pressure. He tired in the second half, and that saw Newport gain a foothold and then dominate for long periods.

 

• Missing Harry Pell in midfield means others have to step up and work hard alongside Alex Woodyard, who was back to a combative self. Both Armani Little and Ethan Chislett covered yards, but it stifled their attacking instincts.