1 min
AFC Wimbledon celebrated their first league win at Plough Lane in front of supporters for more than 30 years with an impressive 3-1 victory over Oxford United.
Wimbledon looked shaky in the opening 45 minutes as Matty Taylor nearly headed Oxford ahead in the 14th minute before James Henry could only find the side netting on the half-hour mark after an excellent through ball from Matt Sykes.
Oxford and Sykes did finally break the deadlock in first-half stoppage time though, the forward capitalising on poor Wimbledon defending before steering the ball past Dons’ keeper Nik Tzanev.
However, the Dons were transformed after the interval and Jack Rudoni headed a Will Nightingale free-kick home to equalise in the 55th minute.
Oxford could have re-taken the lead soon after when Cameron Brannagan’s deflected effort went over the crossbar before Ben Heneghan’s last ditch block also denied Henry.
The game was then turned on its head by two late goals in three minutes as first Nightingale headed home in the 78th minute before Rudoni grabbed his second of the game to seal a fine second-half comeback.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jack Rudoni’s opening goal early in the second-half sparked Wimbledon into life and turned the encounter into an end-to-end affair.
Moan of the Match
Ben Heneghan was given a yellow card for some very avoidable barging leading to his substitution as a precaution late in the game.
Talking Point
Loan striker Dapo Mebude looked skilful and earned the free-kick that ultimately led to Wimbledon’s equaliser – could he fill the gap left by Joe Pigott?
Man of the Match
Jack Rudoni – the Don’s midfielder had a near perfect game, first with the equaliser then a second to secure the win.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Brett Huxtable (Devon) – Dons fans were left devastated when Sykes appeared to be on side by the smallest of margins when he put Oxford ahead.
Atmosphere
A touching tribute to fan Jack Lonergan who died after the Bolton game was paid both before and during the game, showing just what a classy club AFC Wimbledon are.
Verdict
Wimbledon looked like they would go six games without a win at the half-way mark but another comeback and strong finish to the game saw them record a historic victory.
