By PON_News
Notts County secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane, digging deep to maintain a clean sheet despite being under sustained pressure from the visitors.
Matty Platt’s second-half goal proved decisive as the Magpies edged out The Dons in a tightly contested encounter.
The match began with both teams cautiously probing each other's defences. Notts County, as has been the norm this season, dominated possession with 68%, but they struggled to convert this into clear-cut opportunities, managing just three shots on target throughout the game.
In contrast, AFC Wimbledon, while seeing only 32% of the ball, looked more threatening in the final third, registering eight shots on target and forcing goalkeeper Alex Bas into several crucial saves.
The first half was a scrappy affair, with fouls breaking up play frequently. Notts County’s Matty Platt and Lewis Macari were booked, as were Riley Harbottle and James Furlong for the visitors.
The physical nature of the contest saw both teams commit multiple fouls, with Wimbledon conceding 19 and Notts County 13.
Set-pieces and free kicks became a pivotal aspect of the match, but neither side could capitalise on their opportunities in the opening period.
The best chance of the first half fell to AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel, whose header flashed just wide of the post after a well-worked move down the right-hand side.
At the other end, David McGoldrick saw his effort from inside the box narrowly miss the target as Notts County struggled to find a way through The Dons’ resolute defence.
In the second half, Notts County began to apply more pressure, with Matt Palmer orchestrating play in midfield. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, following a corner that saw Palmer deliver an inviting ball into the box.
Matty Platt struck the ball and guided his effort into the bottom corner, giving the Magpies a 1-0 lead much to the delight of the Meadow Lane faithful.
Despite falling behind, AFC Wimbledon refused to back down. Their attacking threat continued as substitute Huseyin Biler fired a powerful shot from distance in the dying moments, but his effort whistled just past the post.
James Tilley also came close with a header that was well saved by Bass, who stood tall to preserve his clean sheet.
As the clock ticked towards full-time, Wimbledon threw everything at Notts County, but the Magpies remained resolute, defending with determination to see out the match.
In the closing stages, the game became increasingly scrappy, with several stoppages for fouls and a lengthy delay due to an injury to Lewis Macari, who had to be replaced by Rod McDonald.
The match ended with AFC Wimbledon continuing to push forward in search of an equaliser, but it was Notts County who held on for a crucial three points.
The victory keeps the Magpies firmly in the promotion race, while Wimbledon will be left to rue their missed chances.
- 3
- 17
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now