AFC Wimbledon came away with a point that could have been a bit more on another day as we drew 0-0 with Barrow.
A game that was largely a midfield battle brought about little in the way of chances for the best part of 90 minutes until stoppage time saw Jake Reeves scamper through in the dying seconds, only for his low effort to be smothered by the Barrow goalkeeper.
It was an agonising end to a game that won’t live too long in the memory as the side with an unbeaten home record came up against our unbeaten away run.
Both walked away with a clean sheet for their troubles, however there were certainly chances to walk away with three points at both ends.
Johnnie Jackson made two changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Bradford City as Ali Al-Hamadi and Ryan Johnson came in for Josh Davison and Alex Pearce. Meanwhile there was a welcome inclusion of Huseyin Biler on the bench, as he featured in a matchday squad for the first time in the 2023/24 season.
The hosts started quickly inside the first 10 minutes, with Isaac Ogundere having to be on guard to block a powerful effort from Emile Aquah. This was followed up in strong fashion by a sliding challenge from Jack Currie as we continued to soak up early pressure.
James Tilley was at his lively best on the right-hand side and came close to creating our first chance of the game, jinking inside the opposing full-back before curling in a cross that was just in front of Al-Hamadi.
We then worked Paul Farman well soon after as Reeves so a curling free-kick well matched by the Barrow number one. James Chester then headed over the bar when it appeared easier to score as the two teams trooped in level at the break.
The Bluebirds had a chance from a free-kick of their own as Dean Campbell drew a routine save out of Alex Bass. We then had our best chance of the afternoon as an expert ball from Ogundere sent Al-Hamadi away and in behind, however our number 10 could only force Farman into a good save at the near post.
Johnson showed great positioning to block a low shot behind. Bass was also at his very best not long after as he made a fingertip save amidst chaos in the penalty area from a Barrow corner. Dom Telford then headed over from close range as the game became more and more stretched.
Substitute Aron Sasu created a good opportunity for himself as he jinked in from the left before firing a low effort at the feet of Farman. We then almost took all three points with the last touch of the game as Reeves squandered a one on one opportunity after being played through by Al-Hamadi. It wasn’t to be in the end as both teams settled for a point and a clean sheet respectively.
AFC Wimbledon: Alex Bass, Jake Reeves, Ryan Johnson, James Tilley (Aron Sasu), Ali Al-Hamadi, Josh Neufville (James Ball), Armani Little, Omar Bugiel (Harry Pell), Jack Currie, Joe Lewis, Isaac Ogundere
Attendance: 3,466 (232 away)
PIC: Paul Thompson (Pro Sports Images)
