By Georgia Garnett at Plough Lane
ALISTAIR Smith’s late goal kept AFC Wimbledon’s chances of automatic promotion alive as the Dons beat Harrogate 1-0 at Plough Lane on Saturday.
The win broke a three-game winless streak for Johnnie Jackson’s side, who are fifth, six points above eighth-place Colchester United.
Bryn Morris had the first real attempt of the game in the eighteenth minute, which Dons goalkeeper Owen Goodman saved.
Aron Sasu’s attempt in the 35th minute snuck just past the left post and five minutes later Josh Kelly was denied by Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw.
Riley Harbottle and Sasu had to efforts in quick succession but couldn’t break the deadlock, the former’s attempt hitting the woodwork.
The chances kept coming after the break for the hosts but Kelly, Matty Stevens and Jake Reeves couldn’t take advantage.
On 65 minutes, Stevens was off-target with a header from Reeves’ cross.
The Dons’ persistence paid off in the 77th minute when substitute Osman Foyo crossed for Smith to net the crucial goal in front of the 8,341 attendance. It was a first assist in Dons colours for 20-year-old Foyo.
Josh March attempted an acrobatic equaliser for the visitors but was unable to score in the 82nd minute.
Goodman saved to keep Harrogate out before Joe Piggott was denied by Belshaw in the dying moments of the game.
The win took the Dons to 68 points after 41 games, four points off Walsall in the last automatic promotion spot.
The Dons sit three points above Grimsby Town in the final play-off place.
Jackson’s side can leapfrog Doncaster Rovers in fourth with a win at the Eco-Power Stadium next Saturday at the earlier 12.30pm kick-off time.
