1 min
AFC Wimbledon dropped closer to the League One trap door with a frustrating 2-0 defeat to ten-man Lincoln City at Plough Lane.
The Dons started brightly with Lee Brown’s free-kick forcing a good save from Lincoln keeper Jordan Wright inside the opening ten minutes.
However, a wonder strike from Lewis Fiorini gave Lincoln the lead in the 38th minute, a 25 yard strike that Dons’ goalkeeper Nik Tzanev was powerless to deny.
The second period opened with three great chances for Wimbledon – Ayoub Assal and Zach Robinson both having efforts to equalise.
A scuffle on the by-line then saw Brooke Norton-Cuffy sent-off with just under half-an-hour still to play.
Spurred on by their numerical advantage, Wimbledon thought they had found an equaliser through Jack Rudoni – only for it to be ruled out for a foul on teammate Robinson in the build-up.
And frustration turned to despair as Lincoln doubled their advantage in the 84th minute as John Marquis nicked the ball off Tzanev to present Teddy Bishop with a simple tap-in.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jack Rudoni’s second-half strike being frustratingly ruled out summed up the Dons’ afternoon – had that equaliser stood then it could have been a much different story.
Moan of the Match
The refereeing quartet fell apart in the latter stages, creating confusion and frustration for Wimbledon with boss Mark Robinson letting the fourth official know his thoughts.
Talking Point
Was it too much of an ask of Zach Robinson, after being recalled from two divisions below at Hampton & Richmond, to lead the line for the Dons?
Man of the Match
Luke McCormick – the Dons midfielder was a key figure playing slightly deeper with his energy missed after his second-half substitution.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Carl Brook (East Sussex) – the official and the rest of his team lost the plot in the second-half, disallowing Jack Rudoni’s perfectly fine goal for a foul in the build-up on Zach Robinson.
Atmosphere
The visitors made themselves heard throughout, especially after their opener, with Dons supporters also vocal albeit frustrated.
Verdict
A result heavily influenced by a poor refereeing decision makes League One safety even harder for Wimbledon.
