AFC Wimbledon Grind out Solid Result Against the Robins

Terry Brown’s desperation to stop the rot at home was rewarded as AFC Wimbledon ground out a point at home to Swindon in an excellent game on Saturday.

Brown’s boys took the lead in the sixth minute through a deflected shot by right back Sam Hatton, and held out until 15 minutes from time, Alan Connell finally taking one of six chances he had to level by poking a goal-bound effort past home goalkeeper Seb Brown.

“I really didn’t want us to get beaten today,” Terry Brown commented after the game. “Our home form hasn’t been great and the performance the boys put in, I thought they deserved something out of the game.

“Swindon will be in the top three, definitely the play-offs, at the end of the season and I thought our defence acquitted themselves well to keep them out. We had enough chances to win the game as well.”

While Connell was at the heart of most of the Swindon attacks, Wimbledon had a number of opportunities of their own, Swindon keeper Foderingham doing well to repel shots from Ricky Wellard, Jack Midson and Chris Bush.

But the main talking point came with a few minutes left, Swindon being denied what looked like a clear cut penalty, Paul Caddis seemingly downed by Midson. The referee booked Caddis for simulation and awarded Wimbledon the freekick.

“From where I was, the referee was 100 percent right in that decision,” said Brown. “No doubt if you’re on the other side, you’d have a better view.”

Brown’s opposite number Paolo Di Canio, whose most famous Premier League goal came against Wimbledon, was also unsure. “I was far away and couldn’t get a clear view, but people have said it was a penalty,” added the Italian.

Terry Brown has also confirmed that left back Gareth Gwillim, out since an injury sustained in AFC’s last league win—over Gillingham in early October—will be back in the squad for Tuesday’s trip to Scunthorpe. Winger Christian Jolley, replaced at half time on Saturday, has pulled a hamstring and is being assessed by the club doctors.

AFC Wimbledon: Brown, Hatton, Bush, Johnson, McNaughton, Yusseff, Wellard, S Moore, Midson, Jolley (Mulley), Jackson (Minshull)

My Man of the Match: Ricky Wellard

Adam Harwood is a contributor for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise stated, all quotes are sourced directly.