Match Report: AFC Wimbledon rue missed chances in 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra
AFC Wimbledon and Crewe Alexandra played out an enticing 1-1 draw on Tuesday night as both sides play-off hopes suffered another setback.
Man of the match Ayoub Assal put the home side ahead at the end of the half following an error from Crewe keeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Crewe hauled themselves level just before the hour mark through Rio Adebisi following a goalmouth scramble from a corner.
The Dons really should have won the game fifteen minutes from time when they won a penalty through Ethan Chislett. Top goal scorer Josh Davinson stepped up and saw his weak effort saved by Okonkwo. A tough pill to swallow but a draw was a fair result.
The first half began in quite a frantic manner. Crewe gave away several fouls early on and looked to rile up AFC Wimbledon’s star man Ayoub Assal, who was lucky to stay on the pitch after he retaliated following a stern challenge from Crewe captain Luke Offord.
Offord was superb in the opening phases of the game and led his side in extinguishing the early onslaught from the home side.
Dons captain Harry Pell brought about the game’s first meaningful chance with a free kick that was routine enough for Arthur Okonkwo, who is on loan at Crewe from Arsenal.
The game continued to be dominated by the home side, but credit must be given to Crewe for the way in which they defended. The home side’s bright start had diminished, and the fans were becoming restless.
Following that slight scare, Wimbledon created the best chance of the half. Their top goal scorer Josh Davinson made some space and curled a left-footed shot inches wide of the post.
Harry Peel then ramped up the pressure on Crewe with a fine strike that was brilliantly tipped over by Okonkwo.
From that resulting corner, the breakthrough arrived. Okonkwo, who was superb for the earlier chance, spilled the corner and Assal tapped home just before half-time. The home side thoroughly deserved their lead.
Dan Agyei went close at the start of the second half with a venomous effort from 25 yards that fizzed just wide of the post. Crewe were growing in confidence.
Crewe continued to up the ante and won a corner on the hour mark. Their early promise paid off and from the resulting corner they scored through Rio Adebisi.
Similar to Wimbledon’s goal, Crewe forced a goal mouth scramble and the hosts struggled to clear their lines. The ball ricocheted to the Crewe left-back who nonchalantly headed past Nik Tzanev.
Set pieces were the golden ticket for both sides tonight. Wimbledon nearly went back in front when captain Harry Peel curled a beautiful ball in that Ryley Towler headed narrowly wide.
Fifteen minutes from time Wimbledon won a penalty when Ethan Chislett was adjudged to have been fouled just inside the area. Their leading talisman Josh Davinson stepped up and struck a weak penalty that was comfortably parried by Okonkwo.
There was little to mention following the penalty miss except a few half chances as that penalty miss clearly deflated the home side.
Wimbledon remain in 17th with a game in hand on a number of teams above them. They will look for an improved performance when they host struggling Harrogate Town at the weekend.
