Young Dons find Rotherham too tough an obstacle as they struggle to create in 3-0 loss
BY DAVE HUNT-JACKSON
AFC Wimbledon slumped to a third consecutive League One defeat as Rotherham ran out easy 3-0 winners, outmuscling and outplaying a young side who seemed unable to compete with a team who had been playing Championship football last season.
Dons head coach Mark Robinson made five changes from the side that lost 2-1 at Shrewsbury on Saturday. With Ayoub Assal suspended, Jack Rudoni returned to the starting line up along with Daniel Csoka, Paul Osew, George Marsh and Henry Lawrence.
Rotherham looked every inch promotion prospects and the Dons were pressed further and further back as the first half wore on.
Although Ethan Chislett and Aaron Pressley looked to run at the home defence, and Henry Lawrence had the Millers backing off when he was in possession, it was the South Yorkshire outfit that always looked the likeliest to open the scoring. And so it proved, when journeyman striker Will Grigg floated a header in off the far post.
It could have been a different story however had referee Andy Haines not inexplicably failed to see a clear foul on Pressley by Richard Wood inside the penalty area.
Having conceded two headed goals in the second half on Saturday Wimbledon proceeded to concede two in the first period as Michael Smith was allowed too much room in the box and planted Dan Barlaser’s corner past Nik Tzanev to send Rotherham into the interval in total control.
The second half began as the first had ended, with a confident home side enjoying most of the possession and all of the pressure as they threatened to run riot.
AFC Wimbledon did carve out a golden chance but Rudoni fired wide from close in.
To Rotherham’s credit they continued to press for a third goal which meant that their visitors had the opportunity to get back in the game had they been good enough to take it.
Wimbledon did perhaps up their performance slightly in the second period without ever really creating any further meaningful chances.
Pressley ran the line admirably, but how the on-loan Brentford striker needed someone to take advantage of his hold-up play.
In Assal’s absence none of the midfield, nor Dapo Mebude when he came on, were close enough or cute enough to play off the targetman.
Former Dons striker Michael Smith got on the end of a long crossfield ball and added the finishing touch to a thoroughly miserable evening for the South Londoners, who have a plenty of work to do before Burton Albion visit Plough Lane tomorrow.
STAR MAN
Aaron Pressley. Plugged away with minimal support.
BEST MOMENT
The final whistle. Entirely a night to forget.