There's nothing like the feeling of being pummelled by an opposition team for 89 minutes, and sneaking a winner in the 90th minute with a miss hit shot that defects past the keeper. We'll all experienced games where we've won but deserved to lose. This was not one of those days. Today was different. AFC Wimbledon beat Doncaster Rovers in a six pointer that decided who'd cement a play off place in League Two.
It was clear from the start just how important both teams judged this game to be. With Wimbledon just below Doncaster in the table, and both teams looking to move towards the automatic promotion place, a win would set a marker for the teams in a similar position. The form table suggested there was little between the two teams, something that became apparent as the game started.
The early exchanges were mainly in the Wimbledon half. Some pretty nervous defending from the Wimbledon back line and some pretty woeful Doncaster marksmanship saw honours even. As the first half wore on, Wimbledon got more into the game, creating a couple of chances to take the lead. Hutchinson and Smith in the midfield started to break up Doncaster's play and get Wimbledon going forward.
Doncaster could, indeed should, have been ahead before going behind. Twice in the first 20 minutes gilt edged chances were spurned. The worst was Hurst's lob where it seemed easier to score than miss the far post. Seeing him hold his head in his hands said it all. He knew what a big chance it was, and that wins are made out of fine margins. So it was that on 27 minutes Josh Kelly chased down a lose Donny pass, took the ball wide before crossing for Matty Stevens to nod the ball home.
The remainder of the game was a midfield war of attrition. Both sides battled to get control, but it was Wimbledon who won the battle. The impressive Hutchinson signed last week on a short term contract was the stand out, winning plaudits amongst the home fans. The standout stat shows Doncaster failing to register a single shot on target. Wimbledon only managed two themselves, but they made one of them count. Fine margins.
Despite the 1-0 score line, Wimbledon never really looked likely to lose. Yes Doncaster asserted increased pressure as the game went on. Attacking subs were brought on in an attempt to grab a point, but they met their match. O'Neill and Johnson at the back dealt with the arial threat well all game. Without the ball, Wimbledon harried and closed down in packs. Doncaster just couldn't get going.
You could say this was as one sided a 1-0 win you're likely to see. Once ahead, Wimbledon never really looked likely to lose. The home fans sensed this, getting behind the team. At the final whistle the euphoria of the win was evident. This game may not have been as big or emotional as some others this season, but it meant a lot.
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