AFC Wimbledon continued their dominance over their local rivals MK Dons, securing a third consecutive victory against them in a thrilling FA Cup first-round clash at Stadium MK. The match was a tense affair, with both sides eager to secure a place in the second round.
The first half saw a cagey encounter, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. However, the deadlock was broken just before half-time when Matty Stevens, with a deft flicked finish, put AFC Wimbledon ahead. The goal came after a clever through ball from Omar Bugiel, who was proving to be a constant threat for the Dons.
Early in the second half, Bugiel doubled Wimbledon’s lead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from MK Dons. The hosts were unable to clear a free-kick, and Bugiel was on hand to bundle the ball into the net.
The match took a decisive turn when MK Dons’ Connor Lemonheigh-Evans received his second yellow card in the 70th minute, following a foul on Josh Neufville. The red card left MK Dons with a mountain to climb and effectively ended their hopes of a comeback.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, MK Dons did their best to mount a challenge, but AFC Wimbledon’s defense held firm. The visitors, buoyed by their two-goal advantage, controlled the latter stages of the match and secured a comfortable victory.
This latest victory over MK Dons is a testament to AFC Wimbledon’s growing strength and their ability to rise to the occasion in big games. They will now face a tough test in the second round, but the Dons are confident of making further progress in the competition.
