AFC Wimbledon lost a two-goal lead on Tuesday night when former Don Shane McLoughlin converted a penalty with the final kick of the game to earn Newport County an undeserved draw.
Here are Dave Hunt-Jackson’s observations following the 2-2 tie at Plough Lane.
TOTAL LACK OF COMPOSURE
Newport had posed almost little threat all night. Goals from Alistair Smith and Matty Stevens should have been plenty, but the South Londoners failed to capitalise on their fast start and paid the price, going six home games without a win.
For much of the game, the Dons lacked the appearance of a team looking to advance.
Manager Johnnie Jackson became enraged at the end of a game in which several decisions went against his Wimbledon team, including the ruling out of a third goal with no clear infringement and no explanation provided by the officials.
In reality, his lack of composure reflected that of his players.
Wimbledon sat deeper and deeper, with only one possible outcome.
Instead of putting the game out of reach, Newport’s equaliser had an air of inevitability to it.
Jackson received a response to Saturday’s performance in the home FA Cup defeat by nonleague Dagenham, with 20 minutes of blood and thunder followed by a low-key, uninspiring effort for the remainder of the game.
This result means the Dons have tumbled out of the League Two play-offs, and their recent form, particularly at Plough Lane, where they have gone winless in four games, does not suggest they will regain a top-seven position.
DIFFERENT FACES BUT NO NEW IDEA
With Callum Maycock, Jake Reeves, and James Ball all unavailable, Jackson called in Josh Kelly for a rare appearance, although not as part of a three-man attack. Kelly played in midfield, with Omar Bugiel and Matty Stevens up forward.
While the injuries to the midfield trio, as well as Joe Lewis, undoubtedly forced the manager’s hand, his inability to adapt his system to the players available was aggravating.
WRONG BENCH IMPACT
The Dons’ replacements were just personnel changes that helped Newport get back into the game.
Joe Pigott gave less of an outlet than Bugiel, but the choice to switch to left back at the start of stoppage time was much worse.
Hus Biler has not received much playing time, and when he has come on, it has usually been to press forward. He came on for a team that was already defending too deep, and he didn’t have time to adjust to the speed of the game.
It was his challenge that was ruled a foul, resulting in the penalty.
A BLIP OR START OF A DECLINE?
Only the away victories at Tranmere Rovers and Barrow have punctuated a month of otherwise very poor form and results.
All teams will have a dip in form and perhaps that is the case here, with injuries adding to their difficulties.
Recent history suggests otherwise however, with the last two seasons ending in runs of poor form and ultimately a question of what might have been.
Even with the current glut of injuries, games like this at home to a very one-dimensional Newport are ones you should be winning if you aspire towards promotion.
They have to be bold, adaptable and allow the squad players a chance to shine as otherwise by the time they are back to full strength another season could well be over.
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