AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Mansfield Town: Dons surrender third successive lead as Stags march on
Mansfield Town continued their charge towards the Sky Bet League Two play-offs as they came from behind at Plough Lane to condemn AFC Wimbledon to a third successive defeat.
The Dons started brightly and took the lead 25 minutes in through Ali Al Hamadi’s fifth goal in four games.
The Stags responded just five minutes later through Riley Harbottle, before second-half strikes from Danny Johnson and Davis Keillor-Dunn saw the away side pick up a fourth win in five. Wimbledon remain in 15th, with Mansfield in 8th, out of the play-offs only on goal difference with a game in hand.
Wimbledon were quick out of the blocks, hoping to exploit the same frailties in the Mansfield defence that saw them ship five at home to fellow play-off hopefuls Salford last time out.
The Dons’ attacking intent almost resulted in the perfect start, with Ethan Chislett deceiving several of the Stags’ defenders on a run towards the area. His quick one-two with Josh Davison saw him through on goal, but his effort was tame, and easily saved by the on-rushing Scott Flinders.
Wimbledon continued to apply the pressure, with Mansfield resorting to tactically fouling the opposition to prevent long periods of momentum. This approach saw Stags captain Ollie Clarke go into the book first for a late challenge, but not before Kasey McAteer’s long-range effort dribbled through to Flinders after good work from during the advantage.
As the first half wore on, the Dons continued their confident style of play. Al Hamadi displayed some neat footwork to find Davison in the box, but good work from the Mansfield defender sees the striker pushed wide, with his shot only able to flash across the face of the goal.
Mansfield were not content playing on the back foot, and started to force their way into the game through battling tackles, much to the delight of their travelling faithful. Stephen Quinn, making his 629th professional appearance, rolled back the years with some silky skill before putting in a cross that saw a Riley Harbottle blocked at the far post.
However, just as Mansfield looked to gain the intiative, the Dons took the lead. Al Hamadi’s goal was well-worked, with the striker latching onto a long ball forward from Alex Pearce, before driving into the box and leaving Flinders no chance with a powerful finish.
This lead did not last long, with Mansfield showing the resilience that sees them fighting for the play-offs after losing in the final last season. Harbottle made no mistake from within the box with almost an identical chance to his earlier opportunity, with Quinn once again providing the cross.
Mansfield were now in control, with Wimbledon now trying to hold on after such a positive start. Nik Tzanev almost gifted the Stags a half-time lead after his clearance was blocked, but Quinn was unable to land his attempt on target.
Al Hamadi continued to look dangerous following the half-time break, with another run down the left seeing him earn his way into the box, even sitting a few of the Stags’ defenders down for good measure. However, his reluctance to pull the trigger saw him forced to lay the ball off to McAteer, whose effort was blocked.
This would prove McAteer’s last involvement as he made way for Saikou Janneh. This change would prove pivotal in the match, but not for the home side. A lapse in concentration following the sub from several Wimbledon players saw half-time substitute Johnson bully his way past Alex Pearce, and roll the ball agonisingly slowly past Tzanev into the net.
On a run of one win in ten, and staring down the barrel of another defeat, Wimbledon committed men forward, even making a triple change in the hope of earning a crucial point to aid their waning play-off hopes.
This played right into Mansfield’s hands, as they were able to hold the Dons attack, and pick off the home side on the counter. Sure enough, a Wimbledon attack come to nothing, and Mansfield broke forward. Keillor-Dunn picked the ball up on the edge of the area, with his third goal in as many games all but sealing the three points.
Wimbledon were unable to find a way back into the team, and slumped to a third defeat in a row despite taking the lead. One win in eleven matches now sees their feint play-off hopes come to an abrupt end, as Mansfield move closer to an opportunity to put right last season’s play-off heartbreak.
