AFC Wimbledon put in a mature and composed display on Saturday afternoon as we emerged as 2-0 winners over Tranmere Rovers.
Our in-form pairing of Ethan Chislett and Ayoub Assal lit up the game with two pieces of brilliance that saw us march to nine games unbeaten across all competitions.
Tranmere were also reduced to 10 men during the 90 minutes as Dynel Simeu was shown a straight red – however our side did have to weather the storm somewhat, as we rose to the challenge well.
Nik Tzanev also deserves massive credit for denying Kane Hemmings from the penalty spot as our goalkeeper came up with a match-defining moment when we needed him most.
All in all it was another impressive performance from a team which seems to be getting better and better by the game, further underlining the confidence that exists within our group of players.
Johnnie Jackson made five changes to the side which beat Weymouth 3-1 in the FA Cup on Tuesday, with Huseyin Biler coming in for his first league start in place of the injured Jack Currie. Meanwhile there was also recalls to the starting eleven for Tzanev, Alex Woodyard, Chislett and Paul Kalambayi.
Tranmere were roared on by their supporters and created the first opening of the game as Paul Lewis forced Tzanev to tip the ball wide.
However the wind was quickly knocked out of Rovers’ sails as we took the lead soon after. A ball rebounded into the path of Chislett on the far side of the area, with the in-form midfielder smashing home a half volley that left Ross Doohan with no chance.
It then got even worse for the hosts as Dynel Simeu was shown a straight red card for throwing Harry Pell to the ground off the ball. Biler then made a great block as Tranmere threatened to equalise against the run of play.
Pell then almost got on the scoresheet as he saw his diving header well saved by Doohan just before half-time.
Rovers came on strong at the start of the second period, however we managed to keep them largely at arm’s length as the hour mark came and went.
Disaster then struck for the Dons as Tzanev brought down Lewis in the box, with the referee awarding a penalty. Nevertheless our number one redeemed himself in stunning style by flying to his right to keep out Hemmings’ spot kick.
We then doubled our lead in the final 10 minutes. Assal picked up the ball on the far side of the area before driving inside and finding the far corner in style. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and wrapped up a deserved victory for Wimbledon.
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Alex Woodyard, Harry Pell, Josh Davison, Ayoub Assal, Ethan Chislett (Kyle Hudlin), Ryley Towler, Paris Maghoma, Huseyin Biler, Paul Kalambayi, Isaac Ogundere
PICS: Paul Thompson (Pro Sports Images)