1 min
AFC Wimbledon came from behind to beat Crewe Alexandra 3-2 at Plough Lane and claim a first league win in four.
Despite starting on the front foot, it was Crewe who opened the scoring in the 11th minute as Chris Long fired home from close range against the run of play.
However, parity was restored 13 minutes later as Crewe keeper Dave Richards failed to deal with Jack Rudoni’s fierce header to make it 1-1.
And it went from bad to worse for Richards as Ollie Palmer gave Wimbledon the lead in the 35th minute as the stopper failed to deal with a long-distance effort.
The Dons would go on to have a third a minute before the break as Ayoub Assal was brought down in the box by Richards with Palmer converting from the spot.
Wimbledon continued to dominate after the break with Palmer and Assal both going close before the Dons’ inability to put the game to bed almost came back to haunt them.
Chris Porter pulled a goal back for Crewe in the 89th minute to set-up a nerve finale in which Assal was dismissed for an altercation with Crewe’s Zac Williams.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Dave Richards should have done better with Jack Rudoni’s opener and it seemed to zap the confidence out of the Crewe keeper as he was also at fault for Wimbledon’s other goals as well.
Moan of the Match
Crewe were lucky the margin of defeat wasn’t by more and their overall lack of fight suggests they already look doomed for relegation.
Talking Point
Ayoub Assal’s red card looked harsh to say the least but just how big a loss will the suspension be if it isn’t rescinded?
Man of the Match
Ollie Palmer – the man in form tormented Crewe and deservedly scored a brace to take his goal tally to four in the last four games.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Craig Hicks (Surrey) – let the game flow but lost control at the end with Ayoub Assal appearing to be unjustly sent-off.
Atmosphere
A Len Goodman 7/10 as the Dons fans drove their side on – although credit to the Crewe fans who, equipped with a drum, tried to rally their troops.
Verdict
AFC Wimbledon made it harder for themselves than it should have been but overall put in an excellent display in a must-win game.
