MK Dons remain without a win in seven league matches after a 0-0 draw at AFC Wimbledon. The visitors created chances but could not find the net, and the result leaves them still searching for their first victory of the season.
At the Cherry Red Records Stadium, Wimbledon made a strong push early and almost grabbed the lead first. In the opening exchanges, Myles Hippolyte set up Callum Maycock with a chance on goal, yet his attempt went sailing over the bar.
Early Wimbledon Pressure
Steve Seddon almost added to the home side’s tally in the 11th minute when Jayden Stockley flicked a header into his path. Seddon’s strike at the far post was met with a strong save from Will Dennis.
Paterson’s Missed Chance
The ball came to rest at the feet of Callum Paterson, an MK Dons star, in the 32nd minute. His attempt was directed straight toward Joe Bursik.
Second-Half Interventions
After a fiery start to the second half, Bursik made another crucial intervention, clearing Aaron Collins’ cut-back before it drifted into the path of Sam Nombe.
Smith’s Near-Miss
Alistair Smith almost delivered the breakthrough in the 72nd minute with a long-range thunderbolt, but it drifted wide of the top-right corner. Stockley also got on to the end of a delightful delivery into the box as the half progressed, though he could not turn the ball towards goal from close range.
Both Sides Push For A Winner
Neither side could find the winning strike as the match drew to its end, though both kept pressing for it.
What the Managers Said
Johnnie Jackson, Wimbledon’s boss, spoke of pride above all else.
“Pride [is my overriding emotion], to be honest,” he said. “I think this game always brings out the best of us at this football club. I think that was on show again tonight. On the pitch, in the stands.”
He added: “I am a bit gutted we did not win it but I am pleased we did not lose it. So yeah, a bit of a mixed bag to be honest but I could not ask any more of the boys.”
Wimbledon caused MK Dons problems for the first 20 minutes of the second half, according to Jackson, who praised the changes his side made during the match. The manager said the players got to grips with it, grew back into the half, and began to gain more control with the ball.
“I felt like by the end of the game, if someone was going to win it it was going to be us,” he said, “but you are only a moment away from a set-piece or a long throw and I was really happy with how we stood up to that.”
Warne’s Debut
Paul Warne, MK Dons’ boss, found the occasion friendlier than expected.
“I really enjoyed it, I don’t know why,” he said. “I built it up in my head like people would be trying to hit me with flamethrowers or darts or something and I was going to be coming out with my neck in bits. But everyone has been really nice, I found it weird to be honest.”
Tense and ready to tell people to leave him alone, he said he was prepared everywhere he went — yet there was none of that.
“Both sets of fans were loud, but those are the games you want to be in,” he said.
Warne admits his memory is poor, but he will remember this one.
“It was how football should be, it was loud, it was a bit aggressive, and two sets of committed players,” he added.
The Return Home
Wimbledon will take the point, but Jackson admitted he wanted more.
“I am a bit gutted we did not win it but I am pleased we did not lose it,” he said.
Both managers discovered abundant character on display during the contest, which served as a test for all involved.
MK Dons are still looking for their first victory, with the outcome leaving them empty-handed.
| Fixture | Result |
|---|---|
| AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons | 0-0 |
For now, the draw stands.
See the video the story is built around at Sky Sports.
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