Games Review
GAME 24
Saturday 23rd April 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
1 (1) Wimbledon v Swindon Town (3) 5
Pierre 8 mins Jephcott 16 mins (p),
Wakeling 18 mins,
Jephcott 32 mins,
Clayton 61 mins,
Darcy 90 +2 mins (p),
Summary
Well, well, well, here we are again after losing the will and motivation to actually bother going and watching this inept bunch of players chase shadows and lose games from winning positions. If I am honest, I had really got fed up going to a game and leaving really angry. I thought today that I was finally over it and found the whole thing was just funny and thought I could just laugh off the performance and relented to attend another game at fortress Plough Lane. So finally, back in the spot ready for the game I took my position. Little did I know what I had let myself in for today.
The Dons started very positively and was putting pressure on the opposition and a goal was in waiting. It came from a corner which was curled into the box and onto Aaron Pierre’s head who directed back across the goal into the side of the near post netting. I not only cheered but I was actually up out of my seat with both fists pumping what a great start. Eight minutes into the game and we were actually playing well. The dominance continued for 8 more minutes and then the first proper threat from the Robins when a run into the box saw the forward collapse as if shot from an assassin from the stands. The referee blew for the spot kick and the panic button was depress like every other time Wimbledon had taken a led in a game. The penalty was dispatched and the scores were level. Well I say that it didn’t last long. Two minutes in fact. A deep cross was met by a looping header that went over Tzanev’s head and into the net.
Worse was to come as a long hopeful ball saw four sprinting Swindon Town attackers run to their attacking half to be met by Biler’s pace who beat them to the ball easily. He tapped it back to Nik Tzanev who swung a right boot at the ball which was neatly passed to the penalty scorer who with support around him headed to the edge of the penalty area where he easily beat the desperate keeper to take the Robins into a 3-1 half-time lead.
These things happen and this team cannot cope with any negativity at all. It makes the fragile house of cards fall so quickly that what I wanted to see was if this manager could galvanise this squad to actually be bothered to fight for the next 45 minutes. I knew that we would never equalise as we are completely unable to score three in a league game so we had lost already. But could they fight.
In fairness they come out fighting and had a blatant penalty turned down when the linesman had as clear a view as I did yet did put his flag up. Which did make me very angry before I managed to laugh at myself. The battle of the home side and the actual fight continued until the sixtyfirst minute when Swindon scored their fourth. The desperation level continued to rise but there was no coheshion no plan it was headless chickens time. The final insult came in the second minute of injury time as Swindon scored their fifth with Nik beaten again but with our goalscorer on the line he made a better save than Nik had done in the entire game. Resulting in a straight red which means a bit of release for him as he will be banned for the remainder of the season and a penalty which was scored so they got their fifth without too much hassle.
In conclusion I have lost count of the number of away fans that have sung "how shit must you be we are winning away". The home fans sung "you're nothing special we lose every week". They also sung "We are staying up say we are staying up!" as the news came through that Crawley had scored a second meaning that we were officially safe from relegation because of other teams and not ourselves. The really telling moment came when at the final whistle the very clear song of ‘We want Jackson out say we want Jackson out,” was very clear. My take of this is that Jackson has paved his excuses well but with some details not really shining true. He has bemoaned the injury crisis yet today there was an almost fit squad which he had constructed for the worst home result in years. He has said on many occasions that the board had sold his team from under him in the January transfer window. Yet selling our best player had to happen then a manager needs to bring in replacements, for Assal’s role he brought in Jaiyesimi, Pearson, and Janneh to fit that role and back up others that were recalled. They have not delivered and all three played today. They were fit today but simply not good enough.
The weird and wonderful substitutes continued with Currie replacing Jaiyesmi in the 93rd minute with the score 1-5. Defender for a winger good thinking. This is a prime example of the great decisions he makes. JJ looked and sounded upset and truly distressed by the fans finally verbally turning against him. What actually scares me is he is talking about how they will improve next season yet the conversation pre-kick off was where we are in the budget league table, and we are currently 17th which is 3 places higher than where we currently sit in the actual table. He has lost the dressing room and the boys aren’t playing to save his job so why does he still have one. Someone else pointed out that there must be a performance clause in his contract so he will be gone by the end of the season. I really hope that is true as if he manages next season, he had better have the start that Leyton Orient had this season. If not, I will be the first asking for a new manager. He will take us down again if left in charge for a full second season. Since early December 2021 Wimbledon have won 11 league games. ELEVEN!! There was over 8,000 there today to watch that shambles just as the season ticket price rise was promoted with lots of added benefits which do not benefit me at all. It would be another thing if it covered the ladies’ team as they seemed to be one of few worth watching. However nope this will cost more. I have a real crises of confidence as to whether I bother with a season ticket next year. I probably will but honestly not convinced yet. A price hike after 11 wins seems a desperate plea to save off relegation, rather than a celebration.
GAME 23
Saturday 18th March 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
0 (0) Wimbledon v Crawley Town (1) 1
Nadesan 6 mins
Summary
This could be a tough report to write as I try to be honest from a bias point of view when creating these match reports. What I want to write today is just how appalled I am with that lacklustre and pointless display we had to endure today and to be honest I completely disagree with the manager after listening to his post-match interview with the local radio. He said that we got what we deserved from the game which was nothing and I do agree with that part. He then said that this game was the outlier that we have deserved more from the previous games played and he saw something from us in those other games. Well, I haven’t seen that and the fans haven’t either. For Plough Lane to boo at the end of both halves is beyond my recollection it never happens and the complete apathy has overflowed from the pitch and is now filling the stadium as well. People and I mean a lot of people started walking from the ground at the 83rd minute mark. You know what I was jealous of them as I stayed to the end and endured another 14 minutes of the inept attempts to create a shot on target.
For my opinion these players really tried to get this team into the play-offs around January and maybe into February but they failed. Not the fans or those paying money into the club fault, the playing team and the playing staff failed to get wins and move this team into the play-off places. They then realised they were pretty well placed from the relegation point of view and as their performances proved they are mentally already on the beach. Their post season started weeks ago, which is fine I don’t have a major problem with that. However, please do not kick-off when after we shrug and return that apathy in the terraces when we don’t bother to come and watch your lack of effort.
Please do not blame the fans when less and less people bother travelling to support the non-team that isn’t really that bothered. I had one hell of a journey to get there today and I know I am not alone but when you put such effort into getting somewhere to watch a team with a top 12 budget lose to a team that hasn’t won away for a year, you start to question your own sanity. I was trying to work out how to get to Barrow for next Saturday’s away game. Honestly I am not that bothered, and that players apathy has spilled into my love of this team. A friend asked to come along to a game if he doesn’t want to come Tuesday night then I will probably not bother either. After that Tuesday home game we play at home again this time against Rochdale and I have no interest in watching us lose to the worst team in the league. Harrogate away has the lure of a ground I haven’t been to. After that there isn’t a single game that I am opening slightly interested in attending.
Sorry this is not much of a match report but beyond the opening 6 minutes there isn’t going to be much to write about. Let’s get to those six minutes then shall I? Within minutes of the kick off a high ball over the back four left Nik Tzanev stranded luckily Ashley Nadesan hadn’t got his sights straight and blasted the golden chance well wide of the Dons goal. Sadly, he didn’t have to wait very long as just six minutes into the game another wayward pass in the attacking half was stolen by Crawley, who then played the ball down the dons right saw James Tilley charging down the right with the stands moaning about an offside flag that was never raised. James cross was met by Ashley Nadesan who tapped the ball into the net and put the away fans into ecstasy.
84 minutes remained for the Don’s to get back into the game against a very large and muscular Creepy team. They used that time to fail to make the keeper make a save as they did not register a single shot on target. Yes they had periods where they kept possession and looked to threaten but they failed to have one shot on target. This is not the first time I have said that in a match report this season and this is why for me I have had enough of watching dull unentertaining football. I get more excitement watching jumpers for goalpost 22-21 match down at the local park. This was dower from start to finish and this is where I disagree with the manger who really should be looking for another job now but we cannot afford to let him go so we (the fans) continue to suffer dull unentertaining sport season after season.
No this is not much of a match report but it’s better than me breaking down 97 minutes of boredom. I will not put effort in to watching this lot much longer, its an hour drive for me for every home game. Can I be bothered?
GAME 22
Tuesday 14th March 2023 - Kick-Off 7:45pm
League Two
1 (0) Newport County v Wimbledon (1) 1
Charlsey 69 mins Al-Hamadi 5 mins
Summary
On a chilly night in south Wales the Dons faithful travelled to watch the Wombles attempt to break a 46 day run without a victory in any competition. Away fans were not confident, but they had seen us play before. If you actually look at all the results this year they haven’t been good in fact that win on the 28th January (46 days ago) is the only win so far this year. So 16th placed Wimbledon travel away to a side two positions below them in the table to a Newport County AFC side that the fans were just as demoralised as the away fans. Yeah!! Let’s all look forward to a fun filled action packed adventure.
What happened was a bit of a surprise as the Wombles stared at 100 mph almost scoring on their first attack working down the left-wing great work between McAteer, a delicate flick from Chislett allowed Currie to get to the by-line where he pinged a low cross across the face of the goal. It meat Al-Hamadi who got his bearings all wrong and slide the ball behind for a goal-kick. This with less than two minutes on the clock. With just five minutes on the clock another move down the right saw Sam Pearson making a bowling run down the right channel seeing his route to goal closing he checked his run and turned back playing the ball back to the waiting Chris Gunter who curled a deep cross onto the head of Ali Al-Hamadi who headed towards goal the ball stuck the central defender and dropped to the ground right in front of Ali who appreciated the assist and slotted the ball home past the stranded keeper (former Don - Joe Day). Knowing the Dons, the way (WE ALL) I do, means that a lead means nothing to these guys they will find a way to throw that lead away. Given enough time and a goal this early means 85 minutes to do just that.
More surprise was to follow as another chance presented itself in the 17th minute as a high ball went over the top allowing McAteer to turn his man and have the space to hit a powerful volley. Unfortunately, his targeting was way off and he fired into the empty stand behind the goal. Little did the away realise this would probably be the last creditable attack on goal for the rest of the game. Despite being the better side and me commenting that we needed a second goal it wasn’t to be and in fact County really should have levelled before the half after a long throw found its way to the feet of Harry Charsley whose tame effort rolled kindly to Nik Tzanev to collect in the Wimbledon goal. Half-time rolled around with the away side on top both on the pitch and the score line.
Then the second half started and there was something different about the home side they had found their fight and was happy to go toe to toe with the leaders. They were happy to leave a little bit more into the challenges and follow it up with a word or two in the away side’s ear. The belief ebbed away from the Dons and despite some panic in the home sides penalty area here and there which all came to nothing the Wombles huffed and puffed a bit but never truly looked like added to their early goal.
County’s growing confidence paid dividends in the sixty-ninth minute when a corner was curled into the box that fell to Don’s centre back Aaron Pierre who hoofed it right into the back of the legs of a luckless Womble midfielder it rolled back to Harry Charsley who made amends for his earlier miss to beat Nik Tzanev to level the score.
From here on there was only one side that looked like winning and it wasn’t the team I was there to support. Now there were some questionable decisions from the referee which started to wind me up but honestly nothing to make an impartial person react. The game ticked away and there were scuffles which involved both sides but it appeared to me that the home side were initiating them and I wanted my side to show that much fight and determination to win a game rather than hang onto the point that they eventually gained from the game.
GAME 21
Saturday 4th March 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
1 (1) Wimbledon v Mansfield Town (1) 3
Al-Hamadi 25 mins Harbottle 30 mins
Johnson 66 mins
Keillor-Dunn 77 mins
Summary
Well, here we are again talking about a game where we have had the lead but haven’t won the game. This one was particularly ugly among a whole list of ugly games that I could mention from this and the previous season. There was talk pre kick-off of whether to sack the manager or not and the general feel was not. This discussion changed before the end of the game.
For me the away side worked very hard in the first half and contradicting reporting and the Wombles bench Mansfield were the better team in the first half. They had two chances in the matter of seconds after Nik Tzanev came bowling out for a long throw and completely missed the ball. The ball went wide and was crossed back into the penalty area for Nik to miss the ball again but this time the ref took pity on him and gave a free-kick.
It was against the run of play that a pacey Al-Hamadi went on a rampage down the attacking right channel. Cutting inside he beat the keeper and the Dons (it appears that it is only me that thinks the following sentence) takes an undeserved lead. Which I hoped would settle us down and get us focused to hold on to half time and really look to get a grip on the game. We had mere moments to retake our seats and the teams were level as for me an own goal by Paul Kalambayi or it was PK who stood idly by as the forward glanced a side foot on the ball to guide it passed Nik and into the net. 1-1 and the potential to lead into the half was all gone.
Worse was to follow as Nik took the ball way out of his penalty area and hoof the ball forward on the back of Davis Keillor-Dunn head. The ball looped into the air and a desperate attempt to clear up his mistake Nik flew at a clearing header but missed the ball completely. With even more panic he turned and tried to get back to his goal meanwhile another forward has sensed blood and raced up to volley the ball over everything and into the home fans behind the goal. It almost felt like we were looking for ways to lose.
Shock for me was to come as the second half started and the Dons went on the front foot and actually looked like taking the game to the away side. Chances were being created and if someone had decided to shoot on target you never know what might have happened. What did happen was the Stags had the ball in midfield and playing it forward to Stephen Quinn who took a dive and the referee played on as Mansfield Town had the advantage. Substitute Hiram Boateng played a sweet pass that sliced through the Dons defence so the other substitute Danny Johnson slips a perfectly angled and weighted shot paced the advancing Tzanev and the desperate lunge by Pearce who all stood and watch the ball roll into the Wimbledon net.
Wimbledon came again looking for an equaliser but honestly they didn’t look like scoring during this time and a hopeful long ball fell to the keeper who hoofed it clear. [This sums up the luck] The ball sales forward and is met by Dons substitute centre back Aaron Pierre who’s headed clearance hits the back of the Stag forward just in front of him. The ricochet loops back over his head where Danny Johnson looks to pick it up but being alert to this Jack Currie lunges forward and slices the ball away from Johnson putting Davis Keillor-Dunn clean through who took one touch to take the ball away from a defender and then another to slot the ball home past the stranded Nik Tzanev in the Wimbledon goal.
Many left at this stage and I look back on this with regret as I waited another thirteen minute of us being dross before leaving before the injury time was mentioned. I was down the street before injury time concluded and the fifth home league defeat of the season was notched on the record book.
In the build up to this game with all the talk of positive attacking football I decided to look at the last time we scored three goals in a league game and it came back on 29th October 2022 when we defeated the mighty Harrogate Town by three goals to two. OK the truth here is this is the only time this season that we have scored three goals in a league game this season. Which is horrendous if you think about it.
GAME 20
Saturday 18th February 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
2 (1) Wimbledon v Hartlepool United (0) 2
Al-Hamadi 31 mins Kemp 71 & 96 mins
Jaiyesimi 53 mins
Summary
At the end of this game I was very angry but I may have blamed the referee but I think I was genuinely angry with the team. I can now see why there has been 9 goals in the games involving the dons this year. Which if you break that down there was there four goals in this game and three goals in the defeat away to Sutton United. Which means that there has been two goals in six games. I will just repeat that, that means in the last six games the Dons faithful have watched two goals. That’s 540 minutes with two goals one for Leyton Orient and one for the Dons. Which means a great defence yes but not attacking flair. Cut to today.
What an arrogant display we saw against a wounded and pathetic create, having travelled up to watch the away game before any knowledge of how teams were going to fair this season. Jump to today and we see a team with dreams (HA!) of the play-offs against a side feeling sorry for itself at the bottom of the season and yes that is exactly where we were last season.
This season when facing teams near the bottom of the table I have seen teams fighting, diving, aggressive and doing everything thing possible to scrap for every point possible. Hartlepool United were not that team. They were placid and more than happy to take the time and get along with things without any urgency. The goals went in and they accepted another defeat and there was no change in there performance. There was no change or flow that motivated them. They ticked along until an absolutely blinding worldie of a free-kick that took everyone (including Nik Tzanev) by surprise. What a goal and take a bow you franchise scum. Suddenly two things happened they smelt blood and went on the offensive whilst the other mob hit the panic button.
Well that is not strictly true but here is the game as I saw it. The game started evenly but after a couple of half chances at either end the Dons really took a grip of the game creating the better chances when in the thirty first minute where the Dons took their chance as Ali Al-Hamadi headed home a Lee Brown cross to take the lead. The away side accepted defeat and really tucked themselves into their shells as the Dons carved out chance after chance. Without really looking like taking those chances.
Second half another run this time by Ethan Chislett beating a couple of players. He darted into the box and fired a shot that was parried by Jakub Stolarczyk in the Hartlepool goal but not far enough as it landed on the feet of Diallang Jaiyesimi who fired the Dons into a two-goal lead. Fifty three minutes on the clock and the Dons had the game in the back pocket. Decisive or not by vice-captain and centre back Alex Pearce went off injured in the sixtieth minute. Then a free kick was awarded way outside the penalty area and up steps a Scum loanee David Kemp who curled it into the top corner of the Wombles net.
The panic button wasn’t pressed at all, maybe if it had been things would have been different. The Dons kept pushing for a third. Game management was poor where we continued to push for a goal where we could of headed to corners and they threw players forward and suddenly a team that body language looked defeated suddenly looked like they were actually interested and carved out a few chances. The dagger blow came in the ninety-sixth minute when Kemp, deep in the penalty area when he leapt above Aaron Pierre (who I don’t think actually jumped at all) to head the equaliser for an undeserved point.
Am I angry bitter and twisted with gnarly anger tonight damn right I am!
I could also point out at least two penalties not given to us one of which was their centre back palming the ball back to the keeper from a wicked shot. No - for me his hands were ont in a natural position but since when do we get any benefit of doubt from a referee this season. There was a bit of bias against us from the referee today but nothing compared to recent weeks. Is that going to change anything, well no not a jot the league is clearly against us and they are not being subtle anymore.
With people discussing that there goes the play-offs when were we in contention for the Play-Off’s as I must of missed that this season. I go back to pre-season when I predicted if we did really well we would finish in the top half, which if we battle hard from now till the end of the season we may finish above 12th place. If not let just hope we don’t get dragged into a relegation scrap.
GAME 19
Saturday 11th February 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
0 (0) Wimbledon v Carlisle United (0) 0
Summary
I am tempted to say this was less of a game of football and more of a war of attrition. Similar to the Bradford City game a few weeks back this was an entertaining 0-0 draw but we may not be speaking about this game in a month or two’s time. That said we may be talking about staying up by a point or edging into the play-offs by a point or how important this result was. For example we are now five games unbeaten at home in the league, this may be more important in a month or two’s time.
That said the away side seemed more than happy with a point which I guess is a compliment to the current squad. There was no urgency and no rush to do anything from them a dead-ball meant a stroll around to allow as much time to pass as possible. The keeper was in no rush to hoof it down the field, they will hoof it and cause plenty of trouble for our defence but there is no rush to get there. Don’t get me wrong this is a good side and they will be up there come the shakeup at the seasons conclusion. Fair play to them as well they are an honest hard-working team that are battlers and didn’t get hung up on our antics which in turn meant we stopped most of them.
Don’t get me wrong this was not an exclusive midfield battle without chances, and it wasn’t a training drill of attack verses defence this was a battle in all elements of the game. It was an honest battle like two prize fighters standing toe to toe slugging it out and it would of potentially been harsh on either side to lose. With that in mind a draw would be a fair result. Both sides had chances to win it with United having the better chances there but the game flowed one way then the other and it was entertaining if not the beautiful game either set of fans wanted but it was an honest hard working battle from both sides. I won’t drill into this game much more than that. Onto Northampton Town away on Tuesday night followed but the next reviewed game of Hartlepool United next Saturday.
GAME 18
Saturday 28th January 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
1 (0) Wimbledon v Stockport County (0) 0
Summary
First things first apologies for this late report to go live is so late. What can I say about this game? Well it is Wednesday evening and I still haven’t quite got my voice back. Now that could be for a few reasons, Reason 1 - I went to see another game that I got a bit passionate about. 2- It was cold and I pick up some kind of bug and it made the voice worse than it should of. 3- I was shouting at the top of my voice a lot more than usual. OK 1- Having a soar throat on the Sunday I didn’t shout that much in an attempt to save my voice somewhat. 2- I haven’t slept that great this week but I haven’t developed any other symptoms. Which leaves the fact that I shouted a hell of a lot more than usual. Not a the players but the officials I want to vent more about this ‘third team’ on the pitch than either of the other teams. Now I will have a full rant about this on the other page but two of the last three home games have seen not a poor but for a biased official that has ruined the game.
This time around thanks to a weak penalty and a good save from Nik it galvanised the Dons who changed up a gear and really took the game to Chesterfield. This after a blatant penalty was not given at their place when Davison was brought down in the box. Anyway, should I move onto the actual game now?
After the transfer window had ripped the soul out of the team the make-shift team of recent away games started to resemble the team it will become for the remainder of the season. The game started quite evenly before after being upended a few times without the defence of the referee. Harry Pell was yellow carded after the 10th minute. Which was his second challenge that County weren’t happy with and deserved the card he was shown. This was followed by a steady stream of County players leaving their marks on him for the rest of the game. With Pell being penalised at every aerial battle Kyle Wootton could do no wrong. Every pull, every push, waving arm and elbow was followed by a silence from the whistle owned by the official. Until the final minute of the first half when finally he committed a foul followed by a free kick that didn’t hit the floor before time was blow for the half.
The first half was even with little action in either penalty area despite the obvious endeavours of two hardworking sides. The telling moment occurred in the twenty eighth minute when a long high ball was sent forward. Lee Brown dummies it and leaves it for Nik in the Wimbledon goal who with Kyle Knoyle in close attended the ball bounces through and goes off for a goal kick. Just as Nik’s momentum and Kyle’s momentum bring them together. The defender goes down and the referee remains silent but with Kyle Wooton mere inches from his face the referee blows and points to the spot some 8 seconds after the collision (yes I counted and equally yes I am very sad and lonely). Some two minutes of Womble protests and conversations between the referee and the Lino (who made the decision) before the kick was ready to be taken. Myles Hippolyte takes the kick towards the bottom right. Nik guesses correctly diving to his left and pushing the ball onto the post. Wombles clear their lines and the game gets to half time goalless. The atmosphere changed inside Plough Lane with everyone suddenly involved. Sorry to admit but I lost my shit by then and it was going to get worse.
Second half kicked off and for about two or three minutes County simply didn’t touch the ball. Starting on the left when Biler tried to move it to the right as he made his way there and passed the ball to Woodyard. Who took it back left finding Chislett on the wing. He played it forward to Ali Al-Hamadi who drew two players to him so played it back to Woodyard who played it square to the advancing PK who found Biler who was very well marked, so he moved it back to Woody. Who under a challenge played it back to Pearce who found Armani Little who hit it forward again down the right finding Al-Hamadi again. Who takes the ball to the edge of the box and who’s trickery brings three players two him before sending Lee Brown on the overlap down to the corner. He sends in a deep cross over everyone but finds Biler on the right wing who sends a cross back into the middle to find Davison with two markers and the head of Harry Pell without any defenders near him to head home the opening goal. A beautiful move which didn’t give Stockport a chance to get hold of the ball and meant that the Dons effectively starts the second half with a lead.
What followed was two honest hardworking teams battling each other but with a referee that couldn’t seem to see the away team fouling yet not only saw all of the Dons but brandished four more yellow cards. Some cards followed identical incidents 10 seconds before but opposite way around and no foul to the wombles but a free kick and a booking for the Wimbledon man to follow. By then the shit had not just gone but had caught a bus to waterloo and was halfway to Glasgow by now.
Then just a minute later a long high ball leaves the County back three flat footed and Josh Davison racing through. Into the penalty area and with a diving lunge coming in from Akil Wright Josh drags the ball back for a better angle to strike but Akil’s trailing leg takes out Josh’s standing foot. Down he goes and County clear their lines. Everyone waits for the whistle including the opposition but they didn’t need to worry as it was a man in blue that the foul was against so no decision needed keep playing. Josh was also dragged to the floor on the edge of the box later in the game which was met with equal silence. He had his shirt removed many times which equally didn’t get a decision for him from the ref.
Rare that I say this the other way around but County huffed and puffed for the rest of the half but the Dons defence who has only conceded two goals from open play since mid October in the league held firm for the deserved three points.
GAME 17
Saturday 14th January 2023 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
0 (0) Wimbledon v Bradford City (0) 0
Summary
Here we are in 2023 and the season continues despite this being the very first home game of the year. It may have brought the first game, but it did fail to bring any goals as the game finished 0-0. Sorry maybe I should have instead started with a spoiler alert! There was more to the game than a dull and boring goalless game.
That said I have no intention to try and dress this up as a classic. Give a season and no one will be talking about this game for the entertainment level. They may discuss the red card for Jamie Walker in the 60th minute. It was a second yellow best described by the conversation at the time. For the first yellow card we said that looked borderline red and the second was borderline yellow so I guess it evened itself out. The sending off did change the game as the Dons took control which you would expect against 10 men but all the huffing and puffing came to nothing. In fact Bradford nearly stole the points late on when the Dons failed to clear their lines and Nik Tzanev had to pull off a save to deny them.
The first half was very even and for me it was two honest hard working teams going toe to toe to duke out a battle for three points. At the half both sets of fans could of headed for the tea van hoping for better things based on the platform that they had set up for themselves. What we got in the second half was more of the same. Bradford being a bit more attacking in their play than the usually defensive Dons. Being happy with the ball going sideways the Dons created little but equally gave very little as well. There was one clearance off the line from Biler when Nik was beaten by the flight of the ball he was there to head clear. The Dons had chances of their own.
After the red card which the player knew himself, pretty much as soon as he dived into the challenge, Wimbledon took control with the extra man and put a lot more pressure on the visits with crosses and a redirected shot heading into the bottom corner diverted behind for a corner by the outstretched keeper. A Chislett free kick was also turned around the upright by keeper with the Dons looking for the winner at one end a lapse in concentration when not clearing when they could have nearly cost them all the points without Nik’s save.
I think the one point that needs to be discussed is that the attacking unit of this team has had the heart ripped out and will need some rebuilding particularly with Assal being off sick for the last three games. Which if he had played those games would of taken his tally up to 100 games for the Dons. Which is now not believed by anyone in Yellow and Blue as the rumours of a transfer bid by a Championship club being mulled over. Meanwhile the club say they have not had one bid for the player but as a fit and healthy young man I have never heard of a sickness prevent them playing in three games on the trot. On this we will wait and see but we have signed three of four replacement all of which seem a shadow compared to him but time will tell but I feel we have seen him in yellow and blue for the last time for a long while.
GAME 16
Monday 26th December 2022 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
1 (0) Wimbledon v Newport County (0) 1
Chislett 60 mins Zanzala 70 min (pen)
Summary
Well, seeing as one person seemed desperate to be the most important in this game, I will be writing this report based just for his ego. This game was about the referee who decided the result long before the sides took to the pitch. He had decided who this panto villain was going to be, and he was out to ensure that it came to pass.
I thought it strange that the referee and both assistance was wearing the Newport County home kit before the kick off and why it was deemed worthy for Newport to not be wearing it when the grey kit. A grey kick which when the advertising boarding glowed red you couldn’t tell them apart, along with dusk falling later in the game and like many others around me struggled to tell the sides apart when at the far end.
As early as the second minute the writing was on the wall as Ayoub Assal plays the ball ahead to run onto. Maybe too heavy a touch and the ball were going out of touch but that didn’t stop the left back literally taking him out. Bang both legs taken from underneath him. ‘Cleared out’ would be what I would say in my day. The referee leapt to Ayoub’s defence by waving his protests away and saying there was nothing wrong with the late and no where near the ball challenge. Later in the first half the Dons get a throw and not taking it in the right place. Jack Currie was sent back and ran to throw again and that was it the referee had lost his patience with his continued attempt to cheat and reversed the throw. Yet he never stopped any other player again from stealing yards when taking a throw, not one that I remember on either side and not once to the ‘oh so perfect away side’ who could do no wrong.
On multiple occasions a County player went down injured which then meant that the physio/referee came over to attend to the player. This seemed to work miracles as the player was able to recover from the crippling injury inflicted on him by our wicked and evil player well enough for them not to have to leave the pitch for treatment. They had the drop ball and just continued which was really good as our boys were sent off for treatment and then had to wait for the official (I say that in the looses term) waved the player back on once Newport were back on the attack again.
Another great decision rolled off Mr Howards production line giving a free kick for offside 10 yards into the Wimbledon half. Not on the halfway line or even a couple of yards but a whole 10 yards. Someone needs to remind me of the rules here as – How is it possible that a team gets an attacking free kick for the opposition being offside decision? I don’t know but you can ask Mr Howard how this is possible. He will no doubt be able to explain that to you.
Oh yeah, the football was going on in between Mr Howard cock ups. I will be as honest as usual here as the better chances were made by the visitors throughout the first half. How Paul Kalambayi cleared a dead-cert goal when the ball was dropping into the goal and a forward charging in behind the ball. Somehow PK hooked the ball away for a corner and I still do not know how he done. Amazing!
Let’s move into the second half and onto the next Mr Howard questionable decision. Ayoub Assal gets cleaned out again but rides the challenge Mr Howard waves the advantage he gets into the box where another heavy challenge comes in and finally Ayoud Assal hits the deck and unable to complete his attacking run. Peep!! There is the whistle we expected and low and behold we go back to the original foul, and we get a free kick outside the box after he waved played on. A free kick on the edge of the box. Ethan Chislett stands behind the ball and curls in an inch perfect free kick that hits the top of the post and hits the back of the net 1-0. For the second time in this game, I will use the word amazing. Added to this the increasing confidence in the defence this is three points in the waiting.
Well - until Newport’s twelfth man decided to intervene.
I would like to add at this point that I read somewhere (whether genuine or not I don’t know) but our Mr Howard in the middle was brought up to the FA for using aggressive and racist language and was charged with it. The result of the investigation I do not know but do I think that has a baring on what I am about to type about I will let you decide. A Newport County attack down the right meant that a coming together of Kyle Hudlin and Aaron Lewis continued longer than it should have. Kyle grabbed Aaron by the collar of his shirt. Kyle moved his head down to be in the face of the opposition who was no doubt giving as good as he was getting. When he got close enough the little Welsh sheep fell to the floor nearly dead and desperate for an oxygen machine and paramedics rushed on. Oh no sorry what I meant to say was that he lay on the ground holding his head before getting up and playing on receiving no treatment. The referee consulted the assistant in the Newport home kit and then brandished the red card for Kyle and then waved a yellow card at another County player who decided to get involved.
Having taken some slack for the incident the referee was angry and was not waiting for revenge to get cold before he took it, as just three minutes later he blew for a penalty following a blatant dive in the box. Sadly, this was a typical example of the standards we are getting used to in this division. It did help me give the officials the lowest score yet of a single solitary point as they just about managed to get the kick-off procedure correct. The referee was happy to be the pantomime villain by the close of play and as a side that hasn’t conceded a league goal since October, I am going to chalk that unfair goal down to Mr Howard for possibly the biggest assist I think I can imagine. Oh! Before I forget the red card has already been rescinded by the FA. Meaning the referee made a mistake and we had to play 30 minutes of a game with 10 minutes due to the incompetence of Mr Howard one of the most bias officials I think I can remember for a long time.
Did the Dons deserve the win based on the first half display no, however, look below and how the Grimsby Town match went and then tell me again that we didn’t deserve more than a point from this game. However, when the result is decided by an official with a grudge then that should never be the case in a professional sport. Today that was the case. Someone threw toys out of the pram, and they all landed on us. If and when I see Mr Howard, I will be pointing this out to him.
GAME 15
Saturday 3rd December 2022 - Kick-Off 12:30pm
League Two
1 (0) Wimbledon v Grimsby Town (0) 0
Chislett 60 mins
Summary
In an attempt to keep the unbeaten run going the Dons faced what looked like a tricky home match against Grimsby Town. The mariners boasted one of the best away records in the division whilst Fortress Plough Lane was not much of a fortress. The game began the way I feared and was reasonably even. All the appropriate warnings were there when Grimsby won the ball in their own half and then through a series of pass and move, they scythed through the Dons midfield and defence with ease rounding the stranded keeper and tapping into the empty net. It was so smooth and well executed you could easily use the phrase like a hot knife through butter. How relieved were the fans, I can speak for us all when I say 100%. It was a sign of why they were doing so well away from home.
I joked when the clock hit 1pm and said we weren’t really playing until it was 1pm. The joke turned out to be surprisingly true as the Dons took a grip of the game. It felt like the defence worked out their game plan and manoeuvred them into their pockets. I can’t say we completely sure at the back but it was one of the most complete performances.
The Wombles looked solid at the back and looked to attack whenever possible and carved out many attacked although not clear cut the important one came in the 60th minute. The wombles won a throw down the left side attacking channel, a long throw from Jack Currie heaved into the box. It fell to Harry Pell who flicked the ball on to Ethan Chislett who had ghosted through the defence and slotted home at the far post.
Very unusual for recent years the Dons kept the opposition at bay yet continued to ask questions as well to see out the game with an entertaining 1-0 win.
GAME 14
Tuesday 16th November 2022 - Kick-Off 7:45pm
FA Cup
3 (0) Wimbledon v Weymouth (0) 1
Assal 48 mins, Ash 78 mins,
Chislett 61 mins, 64 mins
Summary
The Wombles headed into a no-win situation on Tuesday night as they faced a team two division below them who had a single League win all season so far (which is not strictly true) as they had won since the first tie was drawn on the south coast. With the win it and everyone says, “you should have won that anyway,” or lose it and “Shock why the hell are you losing that game!” meant they were kind of damned if you do or damned if you don’t. To report on this game of two halves I will try to remain constructive and try not to go off on a ramble about the season as a whole and views on the management and leadership of the club again.
Being skint and having no data left available on my contract for the month I turned the data on to check out the team and was surprised to see Nik Tzanev, Ethan Chislett, Paul Kalambayi and Alex Woodyard on the bench. Replacing them was Nathan Broome in between the sticks, Alex Pearce at centre back with George Marsh just in front of the back four. With the final change being David Fisher replacing Ethan Chislett as the right sided attacking midfielder. Did this mean we are taking Weymouth lightly or was the manager hoping that the younger hungrier players deserved their chance. I do get that the number of games coming up and a bit of squad rotation would be required, and it would appear the FA Cup was the opportunity. After the shockingly poor performance away in the first game this replay would have to split the teams tonight no matter which way.
Kicking toward the very loud and vocal 561 away fans the games started a lot more evenly than I would have liked. I wanted to see us get a grip on the game early and see it through to half-time that was just a dream as it was the away Terras that wrestled control of the game first. One thing I did notice was the way the away players were ‘putting it about’ particularly Tom Blair (#14) who was more than happy to leave a stud in or push after the ball had gone out of play. Ironically, it was he – that spurned the best chance of the first half with the goal gapping he did not manage to get over the ball and fired his volley over the bar with no keeper to prevent the goal. This was not the only chance as the away National League Southern Division basement side dominated proceedings and missed a couple of other good chances one of which was a shot from about 30 yards away that clipped the top of the crossbar. When the board went up showing 2 minutes of additional time to be played it was really a case of that whistle not coming soon enough. The poor second half at their place had continued here at our place.
About three minutes into the second half, a free kick was won by the Dons close to the halfway line which was taken quickly behind the right back who turned to see that Assal was already away and galloping into the penalty area. Fizzing a shot around the keeper and into the inside of the side netting. A weight was lifted and suddenly the Dons were not only on top but looking to add to their lead. Making some changes Pearce had got through his return from injury match and Fisher was replaced by Ethan Chislett. Who after some neat passing around the edge of the penalty saw his first touch of the ball was to head it passed Zaki in the Weymouth goal.
Better was to follow as another move saw Chislett put clean through again one on one with the keeper, he slotted the ball passed the keeper and clipping the inside of the post as it found its way home. The Dons were three up and cruising for the first time in this tie Weymouth looked vulnerable could the Dons rack up four, five, six or even seven. The answer was a strong ‘NO’ as the away side regained their composure and restricted the clear-cut chances but that said with a stronger referee and a little more determination, I think the Wombles could have added more to the score line. Assal was fouled in the penalty area and not given a penalty, so his temper got the better of him and got into a conflict seeing both players booked.
Weymouth got a consultation goal, and you have to be a stone hearted home fan to not allow them that. A long high ball into the box dropped onto the forwards head that looped agonisingly close to Broome’s despairing hand and dropped gently into the net. The away fans got to celebrate a goal and the remaining of the game was played out with a bit more of an edge to it. As Weymouth sniffed of a chance and the Dons just wanted to play out time. Not much more happened beyond the final whistle and the Dons booking a home tie against Chesterfield in a couple of weeks’ time.
I wanted to pay tribute to the opposition tonight who held their own and for more than a game of football outplayed us. For about 60 minutes in the first game and 45 of this one. Their fans were a tribute to them also and they deserve all the praise they get. If you want my opinion the manager has got them playing for each other and the club as well so they will start turning their results around and if they are relegated this season I will be surprised.
As for the Dons this victory did come at a price. Firstly, Jack Currie comes off with a head injury before the half hour mark. The Weymouth players enjoyed that. Assal gets a booking after being kicked and then retaliating. He then had to leave after not winning a penalty from being taken out from behind in the penalty area, with an injury to his calf. (Looked like that to me). Meanwhile other players are starting to look like they are not good enough whilst others are looking like the real deal. This season is now on an edge of potentially looking good or still being run of the mill and midtable boredom.
GAME 13
Saturday 12th November 2022 - Kick-Off 3:00pm
League Two
0 (0) Salford City v Wimbledon (0) 0
Summary
To save you reading all that follows I can sum up this nil – nil draw with three or four words.
Weird just simply bizarre.
Done, that’s me work done here let’s head of to the pub!
OK so for my first trip to Salford and the vanity project that is the class of 92’ mini-Man U of said owners. Everything felt superficial and I am sure that many a visitor will say that of Plough Lane but there are some genuinely nice and impressive touches. Like the floodlights which are the same shape as the badge, the badge being in the framework of the metal staircase outside. The single roof that goes all the way around the ground. Then we get the ground with pitch that looked all right from a distance before you realise just how boggy the pitch is in places and how it slopes down one side. The terraces were the metal temporary things that we have at Plough Lane so no issue there seating all down both side which again appears temporary and again no problem with that. So, it was the game that made it bizarre and weird then I hear you say.
Well, no not really! It kicked off with both sides trying to show the other that they can keep control of the ball longer than them. And chances were something that was awfully hard to come by. This was finally broken when a move down the left saw Salford cut inside with Nik diving to cut out the cross it fell to a Salford forward who beat a man and with the Dons defence scrambling around managed to hit the outside of the framework.
This seemed to wake the away side up as they started to press for the opening goal. First up was Josh Davison who was put through one-on-one with the former Dons keeper and going for power on the half volley was met by the stubborn Tom King is the Ammies goal. Next up was another well worked chance that saw both Pell and Chislett breaking in the box. Round the keeper Chislett flicked the ball away from the desperate dive of King but not only did that but also moved the ball into a harder angle for his shot. With Pell behind him it may of fell better for Harry to slot home, but Ethan wasn’t to know and had to take the chance in front on him. With the fine angle he only managed to put the ball out for a throw rather than making the onion bag bulge. This silenced the home fans and led the settling down before half time.
OK here is the eerie bit as the second half started there was silence in the ground. I know and sing the is this a library song, but it truly was. You could hear the players talking in the penalty area at the far end of the ground. It was such a bizarre atmosphere. It had the hallmark of a pre-season friendly where everyone was talking about the latest TV show or what was happening with their whippets no chanting or singing. Most of the away fans were still queueing at the solitary food counter or the single bar in the away end so were slow to return to the temporary terrace meanwhile the game continued without what appeared to be an audience.
Dons would grind out a few more chances before the lethargic atmosphere and probably more so the energy sapping win on Tuesday night took its toll and the Dons retreated into their shells for the final ten minutes. The Ammies saw their opportunity and piled on the pressure although a dipping shot landing on the roof of the net was probably the closest, they came in the latter stages of the game and the points were shared between what felt like two teams desperate not to lose rather than brave enough to try and go and win it. Zip – Zip and we both move on.
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