AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Oxford United, League One: report, ratings and verdict

VS.

AFC Wimbledon 4-4-2

2

1

Oxford United 4-3-3

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

AFC Wimbledon took an enormous step towards securing League One safety with a 2-1 win over Play-Off chasing Oxford United at Plough Lane. 

The first-half was bereft of any clear cut chances with the closest either side coming was Sam Long’s overhit 38th minute cross which had Dons keeper Nik Tzanev scampering backwards to tip the ball over the bar.

Seven minutes into the second-half Oxford took the lead when Olamide Shodipo’s cut back found Josh Ruffels whose scuffed effort bobbled past Tzanev into the corner. 

Wimbledon were level 10 minutes later though after James Henry was sent-off for handling in the box to deny a goalbound effort with Joe Pigott duly dispatching the resultant penalty.

And the Dons turned the game completely on its head two minutes later as Pigott’s pass was met by Alex Woodyard who rifled a left-footed drive into the back of the net. 

Wimbledon could have had a third a minute later when Ryan Longman played a one-two with Pigott before finding Ollie Palmer whose shot deflected behind. 

Oxford almost snatched an equaliser in injury time as Ruffels ghosted into the box and nodded a free header over the bar. 

Key Points

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

Key Moment

James Henry’s frankly bizarre decision to bat the ball off the line resulted in double jeopardy for Oxford and handed the impetus to Wimbledon.

Moan of the Match

Despite being a man up, the Dons still looked shaky at the back and the visitors could easily have snatched an equaliser in injury time.

Talking Point

Ryan Longman looked dangerous when he came on, should he have started ahead of Ayoub Assal?

Man of the Match

Joe Pigott – his goal and assist helped turn the game on its head and give Dons another much-needed win.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

Andy Davies (Hampshire) – a good performance overall, the official was left with no choice but to dismiss Henry.

Atmosphere

The full time whistle was met with a rapturous applause and a loud roar from the Dons staff both on, and off the pitch. Fans would’ve loved it!

Verdict

Four wins in a row AFC Wimbledon has seen Mark Robinson’s side pull away from the relegation zone. They are currently five clear with four games to go.

Line Ups

AFC Wimbledon 4-4-2

Tzanev; Alexander, Heneghan, Nightingale, Guinness-Walker; Assal (Longman, 63), Dobson, Woodyard, Rudoni (McLoughlin, 77); Palmer (Osew, 79), Pigott

Subs not used:

Cox, O’Neil, Oksanen, Kalambayi

Booked

Pigott, Guinness-Walker

Oxford United 4-3-3

Stevens; Long, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels; Henry, Brannagan (Gorrin, 90+5), Sykes (Hanson, 82); Lee (Forde, 82), Taylor (Winnall, 67), Shodipo (Agyei, 67)

Subs not used:

Eastwood, Kelly

Sent Off

Henry

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