Second-half double has AFC Wimbledon poised outside play-off spots ahead of Milton Keynes showdown

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By Georgia Garnett at Plough Lane

AFC Wimbledon returned to action after two consecutive postponed matches with a resounding 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers in League Two at Plough Lane on Saturday afternoon. 

After a goalless first half, Josh Neufville broke the deadlock before Matty Stevens added the second with a penalty. 

The win matched the scoreline of the reverse fixture in November and moved Wimbledon to within a point of the automatic play-off spots with games in hand. 

The Dons started fast as Neufville fired a shot that forced Tranmere goal keeper Luke McGee to make a diving save moments into the game.

A largely quiet first half saw Wimbledon’s next attempt come just before the 20-minute mark as Stevens headed over the crossbar.

Kristian Dennis had two attempts in quick succession four minutes later, with Owen Goodman making one save and Dennis’ rebound attempt missing the net. 

Just before half-time, Joe Pigott headed the ball towards McGee’s goal, but the Tranmere keeper saved.

Neufville put the Dons in front in the 48th minute with a shot from the centre of the box. 

Harvey Saunders, Zak Bradshaw and Kieron Morris all had attempts within the opening ten minutes of the second half but none could level for the visitors. 

Morris forced Goodman into a diving save just after the hour. 

New Dons signing Marcus Browne debuted for the club, coming on in the 64th minute to replace Pigott. 

A handball by Tom Davies gave Wimbledon a penalty in the 80th minute. Stevens stepped up to the spot and fired past McGee for his thirteenth goal of the season, joint-second best in League Two, tied with Bromley’s Michael Cheek. 

A second yellow card for handball by DeclanDrysdale in the 87th minute left Tranmere with ten men for the final eight minutes of the game.

Wimbledon comfortably saw the contest out to secure their third consecutive win for the first time since September 2024.

The three points lifted the Dons to fourth place in League Two with 43 points from 24 games.

Johnnie Jackson’s side return to action on Saturday when they travel to Milton Keynes. Kick-off is at 12:30pm.

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