1 min
AFC Wimbledon took another step closer to League One safety by salvaging a point with a 3-3 draw against relegation rivals Rochdale at Plough Lane.
After both sides had penalty appeals waved away, the game sparked into life when Rochdale’s Jake Beesley opened the scoring four minutes before the break after the Dons failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Gabriel Osho then doubled Rochdale’s advantage with a header in the 56th minute before two goals in five minutes pulled the Dons right back into the game
First Jack Rudoni buried a close range header in the 61st minute before Ollie Palmer capitalised on a defensive mistake to tap home a loose ball.
Rochdale sprang back to life and after a series of close efforts, took the lead again in the 73rd minute as Jimmy Keohane headed home at the back-post.
The drama continued when the Dons were awarded a penalty with six minutes to go – only for top scorer Joe Pigott to step up and see his effort denied by Jake Lynch.
But Pigott did manage to make amends in the seventh minute of stoppage time, popping up to rifle the ball home and earn an all-important point for his side.
The draw means Wimbledon need just a point from their remaining two games to guarantee survival.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Joe Piggott’s late equaliser may have saved Wimbledon from a potential relegation dogfight.
Moan of the Match
The defending for the opening goal will infuriate Wimbledon boss Mark Robinson, as the defence allowed the ball to trickle across the goal to find Jake Beesley.
Talking Point
With two difficult games left against Portsmouth and Lincoln City – do the Dons have enough in them to survive the drop or will they have to rely on results elsewhere?
Man of the Match
Joe Pigott – the striker never stopped running and delivered when it mattered for his side, scoring his 19th league goal of the season.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Carl Brook (East Sussex) – not the greatest showing, failing to award two blatant penalties in the first-half while Rochdale will be wondering where the seven minutes of stoppage time came from at the end.
Atmosphere
It was a heated relegation grudge match that could’ve done with the home crowd to cheer on their side.
Verdict
Joe Pigott’s late goal will no doubt come as a huge relief for Mark Robinson, who may now be able to start thinking about life in League One again next season.
