Both AFC Wimbledon and Rotherham United went into this fixture on the back of losses to Doncaster Rovers and Stockport County, respectively.
On Saturday, Rotherham were the better side and controlled much of the game, being rewarded with a goal advantage in the 52nd minute before the Wombles rescued a point with eight remaining minutes of the ninety.
This season’s key performers for the dons, as highlighted in AFCW Wimbledon’s mid-season report, once again combined to give Marcus Browne his ninth goal and Steve Seddon his fourth assist of the campaign.
This came from a nicely worked cross into the box and a well-executed header which left the Millers’ number 1 with little chance of keeping it out whilst at full stretch.
Despite being given minimal time, the quadruple substitution did prove impactful, with Zach Nelson impressing in his first appearance in a Wimbledon shirt.
He provided some much-needed zip in the midfield after replacing the tired Jake Reeves. James Tilley wasn’t able to show what he can do in the final third when he came on but was helpful in defensive areas when necessary.
Saturday’s match also provided viewers with a standout performance from Nathan Bishop. With his recent error giving Doncaster the win late on last week, it was safe to say he was a hot topic amongst Dons fans, post-match.
Despite recent doubts over the AFC Wimbledon number one, he responded brilliantly on Saturday with some fantastic saves, proving vital in keeping the Dons within reach of an equalizer, rightfully earning himself some praise.
Despite the overall performance being underwhelming, Johnnie Jackson praised the “resilience and character to get back into the game” in his post-match interview. Getting a point away from home, in those circumstances, was “really important.“
Now for the not so good stuff. AFC Wimbledon fans were once again desperate for a shakeup in midfield after a very tired showing from Jake Reeves and Alistair Smith in recent games.
It is clear to most Dons fans that they are playing too many minutes in a busy schedule and, as much as they are key players within the squad, it’s having a detrimental impact on play-style.
Especially in a game where control is in the hands of the opposition. Quick transition is vital to catch the opponents on the back foot when flooded into forward areas. This lack of energy reflected in the limited number of fast-paced counterattacking opportunities for the Wombles.
A bright spot in recent weeks has been 18-year-old Junior Nkeng. He’s been playing out wide on the left of the three in a 4-2-3-1. He’s quick, energetic and a defender’s nightmare, however against Rotherham his movements seemed too predictable.
He likes to cut in from the left and open an opportunity for a shot or in-swinger into the area. This was being read far too easily by the Millers’ left back and he could have proved more effective if he switched flanks and took it down the line in the last half hour of the game.
Another game without a win made it 1 win in 13 league games. Dons’ fans again not happy with the result considering the position of Rotherham being inside the relegation zone.
A game against bottom of the table Port Vale scheduled for tonight was set to be an opportunity to put things right, however an inspection by the officials has resulted in the game being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Johnnie Jackson and the squad now look ahead to a home game against Bolton Wanderers in an early kick off on Saturday.
