What we learned from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-2 draw with Hartlepool United – Questions will be asked about game management as new arrivals get off the mark

Laurence Lowne reports from Plough Lane

There is a fine line between success and disappointment. In this case, it was 36 seconds, as Hartlepool United found a way to secure a draw when a 4-0 defeat looked more likely as wave after wave of AFC Wimbledon pressure and attacks bore down on their goal over two halves, which saw 20 shots attempted.

Regretfully, only two of those shots resulted in goals as new boys, Ali Al Hamadi in the 31st minute and Dialleng Jaiyesaimi in the 53rd, registered their presence in a most positive way, and Dons supporters bore witness to two goals scored in a match for the first time since the 29th December.

Unfortunately, it was the departure of Wimbledon defender Alex Pearce through injury in the 60th minute which saw Hartlepool first edge back into the game.

Daniel Kemp’s stunning free-kick – conceded by Pearce’s replacement Aaron Pierre – halved the deficit.

Hartlepool equalised from the same 5ft 6 Kemp, who rose unchallenged to head home from within the six-yard box in the sixth minute of added time.

Questions will be asked about the equaliser and the much-maligned game management, and another question about why so many crosses are conceded, which puts the defence under pressure.

This was an entertaining match for the neutral. Whilst there was much to celebrate for the visiting supporters, the home supporters would have left feeling like the team had been defeated as three points became one.

Drawing having been 2-0 up is most frustrating, but not for the first time this season or last, and it will probably happen again in the future – that is the nature of football.

As the late great Brian Clough remarked – it only takes a second to score or stop one being conceded. On this occasion, Wimbledon were just 36 of those seconds away from securing three points.

What we learned:

• There is much to admire in the forward play of the new arrivals, two of whom – Jaiyesaimi and Al-Hamadi – scored on Saturday. With a bit of fortitude, Kasey McAteer and Sam Pearson may have added to those. One of these days, all will click, and the goals will rattle in.
• Aaron Pierre is a much respected defender with a fine pedigree. However, his lack of match play this season means he is behind others when it comes to sharpness – that was evident when he was thrust into the game due to Alex Pearce’s injury. He will improve as more minutes are played.

• Once again, Armani Little enhanced his reputation in midfield. He was often key in moving the ball forward and is unafraid to take on a player or two, or even have a shot from distance.
• With many enforced changes due to new players arriving and injuries to others, the team appeared a little more adventurous of late with shots from distance, and for supporters, this is good to see. For those who enjoy a bit of caution, the two points lost was infuriating. Manager Johnnie Jackson now has to find a happy medium between adventure and caution.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON