A narrow defeat for 10-man Wimbledon
Wimbledon’s brave resistance with 10 men eventually counted for nothing as they slipped to a gallant defeat at the hands of Southend United.
Phil Brown’s promotion-chasers eventually ran out 1-0 winners against 10-man Wimbledon after George Francomb was sent off four minutes before the break.
Chris Arthur (pictured) made his first appearance since August as a late substitute, but his introduction couldn’t stop the Dons slipping to defeat.
minute when Francomb’s curling effort brought a fine save from Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.thThe Dons could have been in front in the 17
However, Southend started to show why they’re vying for promotion this season as the first-half wore on with Will Atkinson shooting just wide and then Dons goalkeeper Ross Worner came to his side’s rescue with a flying save to deny John White.
The game was turned on its head four minutes before the break when referee Graham Scott adjudged that Francomb’s challenge merited a straight red card.
It was always going to be a tough ask for Wimbledon to hold out for almost an hour and Worner saved from Michael Timlin after the break, before Barry Corr headed over the bar.
The Dons were resolute in defence for much of the second-half, but their resistance was finally broken 14 minutes from time when Cauley Woodrow headed home from White’s searching cross.
made his first-team return as a late substitute after four months out with injury, but there was no way back for Wimbledon and defeat makes Sunday’s visit of Plymouth even more important for the Dons. Chris Arthur
We will feature Neal Ardley’s reaction later and a full report will be on the official website tomorrow.