What we learned from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-1 defeat at Gillingham – Dons down to the bare bones as Will Nightingale impresses on his return

Laurence Lowne reports from Priestfield Stadium

With further injuries to the team in addition to Alex Pearce, the AFC Wimbledon squad were now without the services of Paul Kalambayi and Diallang Jaiyesimi.

Will Nightingale made his first start since the 2-2 draw away to Bradford City in September 2022 and was supported by Lee Brown and Chris Gunter. 

The three-man defence more than coped and were only undone by a set piece and a long-ranged effort, which saw Wimbledon lose, having taken the lead through a wonderful bit of individual skill from Ali Al-Hamadi, who was played in by Harry Pell.

Hamadi’s goal early in the second half had been the only real shot on target aside from a Harry Pell speculative header some 18 yards out, late in the first, which saw the home keeper Glenn Morris do amazingly well to turn over the bar.

Likewise, Nik Tzanev had been called on just the once in that first-half stalemate, pulling off a similar sort of save.

The first half was all about whistle-blowing, injuries, the physio with the magic sponge and lengthy stoppages, which saw 9 minutes of added time and two substitutes by the home side.

Most in the press box kept themselves amused by sharing anecdotes about John Motson, who very sadly passed away this week. It seems everyone had met him at least once, and not a bad word was said. The ultimate football supporter who became a professional journalist and broadcaster.

He will be missed by so many.

Thank you, Motty.

WHAT WE LEARNED:

• Wimbledon are down to the bare bones and were unable to name a full bench. With Alex Woodyard and Harry Pell both hobbling off, the team will be even more stretched for the visit of high flyers Stevenage on Tuesday night.
• Will Nightingale, who eventually took on the captain’s armband, battled with Gillingham’s Tom Nichols and Oli Hawkins and came out on top, reminding supporters what a good defender the club has.

• A very fussy referee. Neil Hair eventually added nine minutes to the first half as he blew his whistle for everything, which saw physios from both teams spend a lot of time on the pitch treating the wounded. As a result, there was little entertainment for home or away supporters.
• Which club did better in the transfer window? On the face of it, Gillingham, since they won, but that fails to take account of Wimbledon’s growing injury list – it is lengthy and long-term. With 42 points on the board already, maybe it’s time to recall some more of the youngsters and blood them for next season?

• Nik Tzanev is probably the most improved player over the season and now organises his defence to the nth degree – the equaliser by Gillingham was initially saved, and the bouncing ball off the post was not cleared. It was initially a stunning save.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD