Match Report: AFC Wimbledon Fall to Home Defeat to Sutton United in London Derby
AFC Wimbledon’s lacklustre start of the season continued in a 1-0 loss to South London rivals Sutton United.
The only goal of the game at the half hour mark and was a contentious one, with goalkeeper Nik Tzanev fumbling a Sutton cross, leading to Sutton captain Craig Eastmond converting the loose ball from six yards out.
Sutton will feel they had the better chances in the game and came close to doubling their lead in the second half through chances from Adam Lovatt, Will Randall and striker Donovan Wilson.
Lying 17th in the table before the game, AFC Wimbledon would have looked at this game to kickstart their season against following their relegation from League 1 last season. Sutton came into this game lying just two positions above The Dons in 17th.
The first half was a close, level affair, with The Dons having a number of chances. Josh Davison failed to convert a Jack Currie cross from six yards out, with his shot trickling past the wrong side of the post.
Minutes later, Harry Pell found himself alone in the box from a corner, Lewis Ward made a solid low save to his left to keep the sides level.
The opening goal was surrounded in controversy, as Nik Tzanev fumbled a Sutton free kick after colliding with Jack Currie. Captain Eastmond pounced on the loose ball to give his side the league.
Dons players surrounded referee Carl Brook, furious no foul was given for a shove on Currie. Manager Johnnie Jackson received a yellow card on the sideline for his protests.
It was a frustrating second half for The Dons, failing to register a single shot while struggling to consistently control periods of play.
Sutton looked the more likely to score for the majority of the second period, and Goalkeeper Tzanev was forced into a stunning save from a Will Randall shot from the edge of the area. Randall’s effort looked destined for the bottom right corner, but Tzanev got his fingertips to it to push it past the post.
Sutton’s Adam Lovatt had a chance to kill the game in the 76th minute, but his effort from eight yards out was saved by Tzanev.
The final 15 minutes fizzled out, with AFC Wimbledon failing to create any clear-cut chances.
It’s now two losses on the bounce for The Dons, who have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 games. They now sit only three points above the relegation zone in 17th, while Sutton climb up the 14th.
AFC Wimbledon will look to bounce back away to Rochdale next Saturday.
