1 min
AFC Wimbledon were handed their first defeat of the season after Accrington Stanley came from behind to win 2-1 at The Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
In a lively opening, the Dons took the lead in the 18th minute after Joe Pigott’s strike struck the right post with Ryan Longman tapping home the rebound.
Although Wimbledon continued to dominate, it was Accrington that grabbed an equaliser in the 41st minute as Ross Sykes fired home from close range following an indirect free-kick.
And it went from bad to worse for the Dons four minutes later as Matt Butcher lashed a powerful strike into the bottom right corner to give Accrington a 2-1 half-time lead.
The second-half saw Wimbledon forced to wait for their first opportunity until the 81st minute against a stubborn Accrington – Shane McLoughlin striking a powerful strike that clipped the left post with no-one able to follow-up the rebound.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Matt Butcher’s clinical strike to hand Accrington the lead just before half-time changed the dynamics of the game.
Moan of the Match
Wimbledon lacked any threatening combination play in the second period, instead opting to play direct and long – an approach that clearly frustrated their forwards.
Talking Point
So far this season Wimbledon have scored eight but conceded seven – are defensive reinforcements needed before the transfer window shuts?
Man of the Match
Shane McLoughlin – a determined and effective performance from the midfielder who also nearly came close to equalising in the latter stages of the game.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Christopher Pollard (Suffolk) – a good performance and was fair to both sides throughout.
Atmosphere
Cringeworthy artificial crowd noise blared out within the stadium only amplified the unfortunate circumstances in which football continues to be played.
Verdict
A first defeat for AFC Wimbledon was all their own doing, and the side will need much better defensive performances should they want to maintain a healthy league position this term.
