AFC Wimbledon 2-2 Doncaster Rovers, League One: report, ratings and verdict

VS.

AFC Wimbledon 3-5-2

2

2

Doncaster Rovers 4-2-3-1

Half Time: 1 - 1 Kingsmeadow ( Attendance: NA )
1 min

AFC Wimbledon were held to a 2-2 draw with Doncaster Rovers as they celebrated an emotional Plough Lane homecoming after 29 years away.

The visitors immediately threatened to spoil the historic return as early as the 9th minute as Ben Whiteman curled the ball just wide.

However, it was Wimbledon’s Joe Pigott who was the history maker as he opened the scoring in the 18th minute only for the jubilations to be quelled six minutes later with Matt Smith’s equaliser.

Doncaster looked the stronger side after the interval and Whiteman’s right footed shot from outside the box went just over the bar in the 56th minute.

Donny came close again in the 70th minute when Whiteman was left unmarked in the box – only to head the ball straight into the hands of Wimbledon keeper Connal Trueman.

At the other end Pigott was denied by Josef Bursik before the Dons’ striker scored what looked like an 81st minute winner with a low strike from the edge of the box.

But Doncaster proved the ultimate party pooper as James Coppinger’s deflected shot found the back of the net in injury time.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…

Key Moment

A crucial diving stop from Steve Seddon in the 29th minute kept the Dons in the game when they were under the cosh.

Moan of the Match

Wimbledon looked exposed to balls in the air throughout the second-half.

Talking Point

A special night whatever the event, just how much better would it have been in front of an emotionally charged crowd?

Man of the Match

Joe Pigott – the striker was a constant menace throughout, scoring a second in a near chanceless second-half.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire) – the biggest warning of the night from the official was given to an emotional Glyn Hodges.

Atmosphere

The spectacle of the occasion even made Glyn Hodges’ constant swearing on the touchline seem sweet.

Verdict

If it was based on the occasion alone, Wimbledon will have won this game but ultimately a point was a fair result. 

Line Ups

AFC Wimbledon 3-5-2

Trueman; Kalambayi (Rudoni, 66), Nightingale, Thomas; McLoughlin (Alexander, 75), Woodyard, Hartigan, Reilly, Seddon; Longman (Palmer, 65), Pigott

Subs not used:

Tzanev, Roscrow, Guinness-Walker, Osew

Doncaster Rovers 4-2-3-1

Bursik; Wright (Halliday, 46), Anderson, John, Amos (Coppinger, 56); Whiteman, James; Taylor (Lokilo, 75), Smith, Sims; Okenabirhie

Subs not used:

Jones, Williams, Butler, Ravenhill

Booked

Wright

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