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AFC Wimbledon suffered late heartbreak after Nik Tzanev’s calamitous goalkeeping error gifted Fleetwood Town a 1-0 win at Plough Lane.
Both teams looked cautious early on with Joe Pigott coming closest for the Dons with a free-kick which floated over the bar.
As half-time approached Tzanev was forced into action, first saving Wes Burns’ free-kick before showing excellent reflexes to deny the Fleetwood winger’s long distance attempt minutes later.
And Wimbledon’s own endeavour could have been rewarded just before the interval as well, Pigott’s clever play seeing his floated cross met by Ryan Longman’s header only for the effort to sail narrowly over Fleetwood’s crossbar.
The second-half saw a similarly cagey affair but a Fleetwood counter-attack with ten minutes to go forced Tzanev into making a crucial save to deny Kyle Vassell’s strike.
However, minutes later Tzanev turned from hero to villain after receiving a back-pass and striking the ball into Fleetwood’s Barrie McKay who rebounded it into the net.
Despite the disappointing result, Wimbledon remain a point from safety with at least one game in hand on the two sides directly above them, Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Nik Tzanev’s error overshadowed a solid performance by the goalkeeper and ultimately led to the decisive Fleetwood goal late on.
Moan of the Match
The Dons once again looked tidy in possession but lacked enough quality in the final third to create and finish off any chances they had.
Talking Point
Wimbledon have only netted once in their last three matches – as the Dons look for goals to secure League One survival, where are they going to come from?
Man of the Match
George Dobson – the midfielder controlled the tempo well and helped Wimbledon keep possession in the middle of the park.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Peter Wright (Lancashire) – a solid display from the official, keeping control of the game and allowing play to flow despite a few hefty challenges early on.
Atmosphere
The anguish from the home side was audible at points in the game where a bit of luck or quality could have earned Wimbledon a crucial goal.
Verdict
Mark Robinson will be disappointed to give away a valuable point so late on, but ultimately his side once again failed to capitalise against opposition who were there for the taking.
