Stanley Denied First Win By Defiant Dons

Venue: Kingsmeadow
Attendance: 4585 (106 away)
Result: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Goalscorers: Bennett (86), Odejayi (17)

On Saturday 12th October, with Crawley's trip to Bristol City postponed, I took the short trip to AFC Wimbledon as they took on Accrington Stanley in League Two. Stanley were looking for their first win of the season, while the Dons were hoping to make it five wins from their six games at Kingsmeadow. 

Jumping on a train from Horsham, via Clapham, I arrived at Norbiton Station at around 1pm and made the short walk to Kingsmeadow with a contingent of Dons fans, with the help of Alice of course (I'll put that in or she'll kill me). I soaked up some pre match atmosphere before heading into the ground.
Kingsmeadow has seen major improvements since my last visit to Kingston Upon Thames; the once compact terrace behind the goal has been transformed into a smart looking all seated structure, known as the Nongshim Stand. I decided to stand with the away fans for this game, in the far terrace in the corner. 

Kingsmeadow's Nongshim Stand

I asked some Accrington fans their views on the game to come, and their season so far. The Guilfoyle family said "it's been a disappointing start to the season and we've had a few injuries." I asked them what they thought about James Beattie's role at the club; "He's the right man for the job. There's been a lot going on behind the scenes and he just needs time to adapt. I predict a 2-1 win for Stanley today!" When asked about their prospects for the season they said "we'd hope for midtable, but 22nd will do!"

Accrington Stanley lined up as follows:
BETTINELLI, HUNT, ALDRED, ATKINSON, NAYLOR, MINGOIA, JOYCE, MURPHY, RICHARDSON, CATON & ODEJAYI.
Wimbledon lined up as follows:
WORNER, FULLER, KENNEDY, BENNETT, S MOORE, SMITH, MIDSON, L MOORE, PELL, PORTER & WESTON.

Match Action

The teams emerged from the tunnel in their traditional home colours - The Wombles in blue and yellow, with Stanley in red and white. The ref blew his whistle to indicate the start of the game, and immediately the game burst into life. Just two minutes had gone when Jack Midson forced a save from Stanley stopper Marcus Bettinelli. I'm not overreacting when I say that that is the only mentionable piece of action in the first half as far as AFC Wimbledon are concerned, Stanley dominating throughout the opening period. Within the first fifteen minutes of the match, Accrington had already seen three chances saved by Wimbledon keeper Worner, before Tom Aldred's header was caught. The early pressure finally paid off , Lee Naylor's inswinging corner finding the head of Kayode Odejayi who leapt highest to open the scoring and send the loyal Accrington faithful into jubilation. Just ten minutes later, Accrington had the chance to double their lead after a mix up in the AFC allowed Peter Murphy to clear the goalkeeper and chip towards goal, but Michael Richardson out-stretched leg failed to connect.
The turning point in the game came in stoppage time at the end of the half when a small scuffle, or handbags as you might call it, led to goalscorer Odejayi being dismissed.

Stanley celebrating opening the scoring

With Accrington leading at half time, there was no doubt that AFC Wimbledon would come out fighting in the second half. Straight from the off, the Wombles dominated the game, however a succession of corners led to nothing and Stanley could count themselves lucky as Jack Midson heading just wide. 
A stunning double save from Marcus Bettinelli to deny Midson and them Luke Moore again left Wimbledon cursing their luck. The pressure continued, and in the 86th minutes, Alan Bennett headed home a pinpoint cross to rescue a point for the Dons. Moments earlier, Michael Richardson missed the chance to win the game for Stanley, his long range strike going narrowly wide. 
In stoppage time, Wimbledon could have dramatically won the game but a fine defensive display meant that the game finished level. No doubt Wimbledon will be the happier of the two sides.