AFC Wimbledon

We’ve been looking back at memorable Wimbledon matches against each of our League One opponents as part of a countdown to the new season.

The Dons’ record against Oxford, who we take on tomorrow in the Carabao Cup, is not a happy one, but today we look back on an encounter that will be remembered fondly by all Wimbledon supporters.

15. Oxford United

Sunday 9th October 2016: League One

Oxford United (0) 1 Charles (og) 49

AFC Wimbledon (3) 3 Elliott 20, Charles 40, Barcham 45+2

It had taken less than a decade and a half. 5,232 days, 18 hours and 30 minutes after formation, AFC Wimbledon were looking down on Milton Keynes. On June 13th 2002 few dreamed that the new Dons would rise from the ninth tier to sit proudly in the top half of League One in less than 15 years, but a brilliant performance to beat bogey side Oxford, coupled with Milton Keynes’ home defeat at the hands of Port Vale left Neal Ardley’s team ahead of the Buckinghamshire club.

Tom Elliott had headed the Dons into the lead in the 20th minute but it was in the run up to the interval that the visitors really took control. When the ball rolled to Darius Charles 35 yards from goal he curled home a brilliant shot that dropped into the top corner and minutes later Jake Reeves freed Andy Barcham who shot home the third. Despite Oxford pulling a goal back straight after the break, Wimbledon never looked like surrendering their lead.

“Getting above them is a landmark for the fans to enjoy,” Ardley said. “Fourteen years ago they took our spot in the league and fourteen years later look what we have done. It reflects all the unbelievable work that people have done over the years to get into this position. I am proud to be part of the story and I don’t think it is going to end any time soon.”

The victory was also Wimbledon's first at the Kassam Stadium since the club was reformed and came in front of a nationwide audience on Sky Sports.

Shea, Fuller, Robinson, Charles, Meades, Parrett (Egan 80), Bulman, Reeves, Barcham, Taylor (Poleon 74), Elliot (Barnett 67).

Pic: Tom Elliott heads the Dons in front at the Kassam Stadium.

You can watch Wimbledon face Oxford in the Carabao Cup tomorrow (3.00 pm kick-off) by tuning into iFollow. See our previous article for more details. 

Take a look at highlights from that 3-1 win at Oxford below.

Dons v Us (1979 to 2019)