1 min
AFC Wimbledon fell to their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss away to much-fancied Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The opening ten minutes set the tone of the game, with Lynden Gooch involved in much of Sunderland’s attack intent and Wimbledon keeper Nikola Tzanev making a number of good saves.
However, despite the host’s early dominance, the best chance of the opening period fell to Wimbledon as Ethan Chislett curled his shot just past the post.
Sunderland should then have taken the lead in the 39th minute but Dan Neil headed wastefully over the bar.
The second-half saw Sunderland come out with more attacking impetus with Ross Stewart, Gooch and Elliot Embleton all going close.
But it was a long-range deflected effort from Carl Winchester that eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute.
Wimbledon went in search of an equaliser but rarely troubled Sunderland’s backline – Ollie Palmer having the best chance with a late flicked header well saved.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
The half-time team talk by Sunderland boss Lee Johnson proved key as the Black Cats immediately upped their game after the interval.
Moan of the Match
Not necessarily a criticism, but Wimbledon’s substitutes weren’t able to make any sort of impact as the Dons went in search of an equaliser.
Talking Point
Ollie Palmer struggled against Sunderland’s tall centre halves – despite earning his place after his Gillingham goal off the bench, should he really have started today?
Man of the Match
Nikola Tzanev – the Dons keeper made a number of good saves, keeping Sunderland out for longer than expected.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
James Oldham (Derbyshire) – despite the home fans’ protestations, managed the game well with little to dispute with any of the bookings.
Atmosphere
The roar when the teams emerged from the tunnel, how we’ve missed that. It was a bit of a shame the Wimbledon fans were stuck up in the Gods though.
Verdict
Sunderland came out of the blocks faster in the second-half and in the end their win was a fair result against a spirit Wimbledon side.
