AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Gillingham, League One: report, ratings and verdict

Posted 23rd February 2021 1 min Read Time By
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AFC Wimbledon 4-2-3-1

1

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Gillingham 4-1-2-1-2

Half Time: 0 - 0 Kingsmeadow ( Attendance: NA )
1 min

AFC Wimbledon scored a dramatic late winner to beat Gillingham 1-0 after a long-range screamer from Jack Rudoni at Plough Lane.

The hosts started the game brightly with Joe Piggott causing problems for Gillingham’s defence early on and being inches away from converting a Darnell Johnson cross. 

Wimbledon went close again 15 minutes before half-time after Jack Rudoni’s cross into the box was palmed out by Gills keeper Jack Bonham before Ethan Chislett somehow managed to poke the ball over the bar. 

Gillingham grew into the match after the break and had their best opportunity from Robbie Cundy’s flick on which was palmed away by Sam Walker.  

The visitors then had another opportunity to break the deadlock when the ball fell to forward Vadaine Oliver in the six-yard box, who was only able to steer his effort wide of the goal. 

But it was Wimbledon who grabbed an 89th minute winner when Rudoni picked the ball up on the right-hand side, shifted into the middle of the pitch and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. 

The result temporarily pulls the hosts out of the relegation zone, having picked up only their second win from their last 15 league games.

Key Points

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

Key Moment

Jack Rudoni’s 89th minute winner was destined for the top corner the minute it left his boot with his left-footed strike worthy of winning any match.

Moan of the Match

Ryan Longman’s decision in the first-half to try and give Joe Piggott a tap-in, instead of shooting himself, brought a disappointing groan from the Wimbledon bench.

Talking Point

After Wimbledon controlled the first-half, Gillingham’s double substitution gave the visitors new life in the second period – should Dons boss Mark Robinson have made changes to counteract?

Man of the Match

Ethan Chislett – the attacking midfielder was Wimbledon’s main spark, not only in attack, but also chasing down second balls and winning possession back.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

Paul Howard (London) – both dugouts were unimpressed with some of the official’s decisions, with a few dubious decisions being awarded.

Atmosphere

Gillingham’s manager Steve Evans, along with his assistant Paul Raynor, more than made up for the lack of fans, as they bellowed out commands throughout.

Verdict

Mark Robinson will be delighted with a precious three points in Wimbledon’s fight for survival, digging in when they looked second best at times to gain a vital victory.

Line Ups

AFC Wimbledon 4-2-3-1

Walker; Johnson, Heneghan, Nightingale, Guinness-Walker; Woodyard, Dobson; Rudoni, Chislett (McLoughlin, 81), Longman (Osew, 90+1); Pigott

Subs not used:

Tzanev, Csoka, O’Neill, Alexander, Osew, Oksanen

Gillingham 4-1-2-1-2

Bonham, Jackson, Tucker, Cundy, Ogilvie; McKenzie (O’Keefe, 46); Dempsey, O’Connor (Johnson, 84); Lee (Graham, 46); Akinde, Oliver

Subs not used:

Bastien, Willock, MacDonald, Morton

Booked

O’Keefe

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