Adebayo AKinfenwa scored a late header as Wycombe Wanderers drew 1-1 away at AFC Wimbledon.
Prior to kick-off, there was a lovely moment between the two teams as they celebrated the career of Darius Charles.
The 34-year-old defender announced his retirement from the game at the start of this month, and before the battle between the two Ws began, he was given a standing ovation on top of a guard of honour.
On the match itself, Wanderers enjoyed a lot of possession but rarely penetrated the Dons’ defence.
This led to the hosts having the first effort of the contest, but Ben Heneghan’s header fell wide of David Stockdale’s goal.
Wimbledon soaked up the pressure and allowed Wycombe to have the ball, as this eventually led to the hosts going 1-0 up on 22 minutes.
Reporting close to the action 📸 #Chairboys pic.twitter.com/L0obkJZa3V
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 18, 2022
After Ainsworth’s men gave the ball away, Wimbledon went on the counter which resulted in Alex Woodyard taking a shot from range.
His attempt was going wide but on hand was Jack Rudoni, as he headed in the wayward shot beyond Stockdale to get his 10th goal of the season.
He scored twice in the 2-2 draw against the Chairboys back in December, meaning he has now bagged three goals in two games at Wycombe’s expense.
This seemed to give Wycombe some life as they started to get a grasp on the game after being tepid throughout.
22 - Goal. Wimbledon. Rudoni.#Chairboys #AFCW
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 18, 2022
🔵🟡 1-0 🪑
Sam Vokes forced Nik Tzanev into a comfortable save, the Welshman then saw a header go wide, whilst Daryl Horgan, Josh Scowen and Dom Gape had numerous shots get blocked.
Wimbledon then thought they had doubled their lead but Ayoub Assal’s lob was disallowed for offside nine minutes before the break, as Wycombe went into half-time 1-0 down.
The second half saw a massive change in Wanderers’ approach.
Akinfenwa, Sullay Kaikai and Anthony Stewart replaced Brandon Hanlan, Daryl Horgan, and Jason McCarthy, and it was the two attacking players that played a huge impact in Wycombe’s equaliser.
Going for a 5-2-1-1-1 formation, the Beast crashed a close-range header against the bar from a Jordan Obita cross, before Kaikai had a brilliant chance to equalise.
The attacking midfielder found himself unmarked in the box but dragged his shot well wide.
80 - GGOOOOOAAALLL!!!!!!!!! @daRealAkinfenwa HAS DONE IT AGAINST HIS OLD CLUB!!!!! GAME ONE!#Chairboys #AFCW
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 18, 2022
🔵🟡 1-1 🪑
However, with 10 minutes remaining, Wycombe got their goal through the former Dons man.
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Kaikai’s cross evaded Tzanev and there was Akinfenwa to head in his fifth league goal of the season.
The wind was with Wanderers as Kaikai, Vokes, Akinfenwa and Stewart all went close in the final few moments, as it ended 1-1 at Plough Lane.
FT: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers.
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 18, 2022
A late @daRealAkinfenwa header rescues the #Chairboys a point at a heated Plough Lane. Wanderers remain in the play-offs.
The result means Wimbledon are now winless in 25 consecutive league matches, whilst Wycombe are unbeaten in 10 as they remain in the play-offs.
Up next is Sheffield Wednesday at home on April 23.
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