1 min
AFC Wimbledon claimed a huge win over fellow relegation rivals Northampton Town as Joe Pigott’s late strike and Nikola Tzanev’s injury time penalty save gave them a 1-0 victory at Plough Lane.
The Dons had the better chances of a low-quality first-half with Ryan Longman coming closest, latching onto a poor Northampton back pass only for Cobblers keeper Jonathan Mitchell to be alert to the danger.
Although Northampton struggled to break through Wimbledon’s midfield, they offered more after the interval without ever threatening Tzanev’s goal.
But with the game drifting towards stalemate, Pigott reacted fastest to a loose ball from a corner to fire home with two minutes of normal time remaining.
And there was even more late drama when Northampton were awarded a penalty for a foul on Peter Kioso deep into stoppage time – only for Tzanev to get down well to deny Sam Hoskins from the spot.
The result means just goal difference separates AFC Wimbledon from moving out of the bottom four with Northampton level on points above them but having played two games more.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Nikola Tzanev’s last minute penalty save is the stuff that relegation survival stories are made of.
Moan of the Match
Despite the Dons’ goal coming from a corner, the rest of their deliveries were woeful with too many chances wasted.
Talking Point
Mark Robinson’s decision to bring off Ryan Longman, who had provided Wimbledon’s only real threat, raised eyebrows. Tactical masterstroke, a stroke of luck or bit of both?
Man of the Match
George Dobson – the Sunderland loanee covered plenty of ground, stopping Northampton from providing any attacking threat at the base of the Dons’ midfield diamond.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Ben Toner (Lancashire) – a largely impressive display from the official, letting the game flow and kept it from getting too heated.
Atmosphere
Just what you’d expect from a tense relegation six pointer but Joe Pigott’s late winner lifted the mood around Plough Lane.
Verdict
A massive late winner and subsequent penalty save in AFC Wimbledon’s League One survival fight. It brings them level on points with Northampton with two games in hand – it’s all to play for.
