AFC Wimbledon stay up on goal difference thanks to goalless draw at Bradford

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2019 by PA

AFC Wimbledon celebrated League One survival as a 0-0 draw at already-relegated Bradford kept them up on goal difference.

More than 2,000 travelling supporters greeted the final whistle by invading the pitch to celebrate with the players as Wimbledon completed the great escape thanks to a seven-match unbeaten run.

They were ten points adrift of safety in mid-February, but a remarkable revival masterminded by manager Wally Downes means they will be playing League One football next season.

Bradford’s best first-half effort came in the 12th minute when right back Kelvin Mellor cut in from the right before trying a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which keeper Aaron Ramsdale turned over the crossbar.

Striker Eoin Doyle had a sharp chance in the 40th minute when Mellor’s long throw was flicked on by defender Paudie O’Connor but he stabbed the ball wide from close range.

Wimbledon’s only worthwhile effort in the first half was a low shot from Steve Seddon which Ben Wilson saved.

The visitors were a more dangerous attacking force after half time. Leading scorer Joe Pigott and former Bradford striker James Hanson had successive shots blocked in the 53rd minute before Anthony Wordsworth fired wide.

Then, substitute Mitch Pinnock had a shot blocked on the line in the 64th minute before Anthony Hartigan shot wide from the rebound.

Bradford had most of the possession but rarely threatened the compact Wimbledon defence.