AFC Wimbledon to play opening 2021-21 fixtures at QPR as Plough Lane works continue

AFC Wimbledon will play their opening matches of the 2020-21 season at QPR’s Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium – ahead of a planned October move to their new Plough Lane stadium.

Work on the Dons’ ground is set to be completed by October 25.

Their first ‘home’ fixture is set to be the Football League Trophy group stage tie against Charlton on September 8 with Plymouth the first visitors in the League One programme.

Wimbledon have four home league matches scheduled before late October.

Dons chief executive Joe Palmer said: “We’re very grateful to QPR for giving us the opportunity to share their ground for the start of the season and also to the EFL for their understanding during this difficult period.

“The construction works are proceeding well, but with the uncertainty of the Covid situation, we wanted to give ourselves some more breathing space to complete the works and required test events before playing our first match at Plough Lane.

“It’s going to be an incredible moment in the club’s history and we wanted to make sure that we’re further down the road than where we would have been for the start of the season, to ensure it matches the occasion.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD