1 min
AFC Wimbledon came from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Plough Lane.
The Dons started with greater intensity but were undone by Lee Gregory’s 13th minute opener, the forward finding space after good work by Barry Bannan.
Wimbledon threatened an equaliser through a number of set-pieces with Anthony Hartigan’s free-kick the closest before the Owls should have doubled their lead when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru caught Nesta Guinness-Walker in possession.
The second period opened with Ayoub Assal sending a free header straight into the hands of Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith as Wimbledon attempted to find a way back into the game.
Sheffield Wednesday then appeared to put the game out of sight when Paul Kalambayi was adjudged to have pushed Lewis Wing in the area with Gregory tucking away the resultant penalty just past the hour mark.
However, Guinness-Walker gave Wimbledon a lifeline six minutes later before Dons keeper Nik Tzanev kept his side in it by pulling off an exquisite double save to deny both Saido Berahino and Gregory.
And with the game continually stretched, Wimbledon snatched an 85th minute equaliser as Jack Rudoni fired home from Luke McCormick’s cross.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Mark Robinson’s double substitution of Aaron Pressley and Luke McCormick immediately after Sheffield Wednesday’s second proved a tactical masterstroke.
Moan of the Match
AFC Wimbledon certainly don’t make it easy for themselves – arguably guilty of over-playing before springing into action after going two-goals down.
Talking Point
The Dons were nearly undone by the old heads of Barry Bannan and Lee Gregory. With an average starting age of just 23 compared to Wednesday’s 27, do Wimbledon need more experience in their young squad?
Man of the Match
Ayoub Assal – constantly looked to take the fight to Sheffield Wednesday; every pass and run was forward-thinking and his dummy in the build-up to Wimbledon’s equaliser was sublime.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire) – a little bit too reactive to calls from the crowd instead of being proactive in his decision-making and gave Sheffield Wednesday a soft penalty.
Atmosphere
Sheffield Wednesday brought a large contingent down from South Yorkshire which added to an already boisterous Plough Lane encounter.
Verdict
Another comeback for AFC Wimbledon and on the balance of play they deserved the draw but manager Mark Robinson will be concerned his side cannot put a complete 90 minute performance together.
