Three minutes of madness so costly in AFC Wimbledon’s’ 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town

BY EDMUND BRACK

AFC Wimbledon have become League One’s draw specialists – but if it had not been for three minutes of madness at Plough Lane on Tuesday night then they would have won for the first time since December 7.

In a carbon copy of their match against Shrewsbury at the weekend, the Dons were quickest out of the blocks and dominated Cheltenham in the early stages.

It only took Ayoub Assal eight minutes to open the scoring – pouncing on Cheltenham’s failure to clear a corner and driving an inch-perfect shot past Owen Evans.

The South Londoners once again failed to capitalise on taking the lead in a game.

The landscape of the encounter changed in the 31st minute. Kion Etete outmuscled Will Nightingale and drove at the Dons defence before unselfishly setting up Alfie May to draw the two sides level.

May was then brought down inside the area by Nik Tzanev only two minutes later – converting the spot-kick to complete the three-minute turnaround and change the mood inside Plough Lane.

The Dons stayed patient during the second half. Aaron Cosgrave’s first goal for the club in the 79th minute salvaged a point and secured their fifth draw in six games.

Options off the bench brought new life to the Wimbledon side, which is an encouraging sign.

STAR MAN
George Marsh. Absolutely everywhere.

BEST MOMENT
Cosgrave’s goal. It will give him confidence.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON