Three takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup draw against Weymouth – so close to a humbling

AFC Wimbledon drew 1-1 at National League South side Weymouth on Saturday in the FA Cup first round.

Ayoub Assal had finished off a Harry Pell pass to put the Dons into an early lead but the non-leaguers fully merited their leveller on 70 minutes as Akheem Rose converted a free-kick.

A LETHAL DON

Give Ayoub Assal half a chance and he will score a goal. A lovely through ball by Harry Pell in the fifth minute saw that happen as Wimbledon went ahead. Defenders hate players running at them with the ball and Ayoub Assal did that again and again. He was fouled, and almost decapitated, by a stubborn Weymouth team. Yellow cards were dished out by the weak referee, but still they persisted.

DEFENSIVE ISSUES

AFC Wimbledon’s backline can’t keep a clean sheet. This time they conceded from a free-kick which saw Ahkeem Rose score from 20 yards out. The Wimbledon wall jumped out the way.

REPLAY TIME

Wimbledon had two shots on target on Saturday and they have to find a way to create more chances from open play to progress in the replay. This should have been Weymouth’s day and the proverbial banana skin was narrowly averted. The Dons’ greater experience of FA Cup battles could carry Wimbledon through – and it will be different at Plough Lane. With the right pricing, there should be a packed stadium. Have Weymouth missed their chance? Probably. It’s back to Plough Lane for a replay next week – part two beckons.