Shock 2-0 win for AFC Wimbledon against league leaders Leyton Orient
AFC Wimbledon pulled off a shock 2-0 win against league leaders Leyton Orient after goals from Ayoub Assal and Harry Pell helped to dispatch their London rivals.
Assal popped up with his second goal in as many games within the first 20 minutes and Pell sealed the three points with a delightful strike into the top right corner.
AFC Wimbledon started well and created the first chance of the game through Assal who had time and space on the left to cut onto his right and drag an effort wide of Lawrence Vigouroux’s near post.
Leyton Orient had a succession of corners but found it difficult to break down The Don’s defence, with all three being cleared away at the near post.
The away side finally fashioned out their first chance of the game 16 minutes in following a short freekick to Tom James, who’s tame long-range effort was easily gathered by Nik Tzanev.
Despite dominating the possession, the league leaders found themselves behind following a swift AFC Wimbledon counterattack.
Assal was found open on the left flank once again and drove into Orient’s box before dispatching a curled effort past Vigouroux into the bottom right corner to give his side a shock lead in the 19th minute.
Assal was causing carnage down the left side and played a major role in Wimbledon doubling their lead 16 minutes later.
The 20-year-old weaved his way into the box and forced a shot which deflected kindly into the path of Pell who coolly placed a stunning first-time effort into the top right corner to make it 2-0 to the Dons before halftime.
IT’S 2-0 TO WIMBLEDON!
Harry Pell places a magnificent first time effort into the top right corner to double his sides advantage against the league leaders! 💫#AFCW #LOFC #LeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/2nyH0rNSUS
— Sports Gazette (@SportsGazette) November 8, 2022
Wimbledon took complete control of the game from that moment on and had several chances to add a third through Ethan Chislett and Josh Davidson but both forwards narrowly missed the target.
Orient thought they had one back in the 82nd minute after Jordan Brown’s low driven shot from outside the box nestled into the bottom left corner, but the flag was raised for an offside in the buildup to well and truly settle the game for AFC Wimbledon.
The win sees Johnnie Jackson’s side stay in 15th place but means they move level on points with 14th placed Stockport County. The Don’s have increased their unbeaten league run to four games and will be hoping to carry that form into this Saturday’s away fixture at Salford.
