Battling Dons pick up valuable point at in-form Oxford

Posted Sunday, April 14, 2019 by PA

AFC Wimbledon defended resolutely to earn a 0-0 draw against Oxford and claim a valuable point in their fight against relegation.

They held an in-form home side at the Kassam Stadium that had won their previous four matches to all but banish their own fears of going down.

Dons keeper Aaron Ramsdale made two excellent saves, the best with his legs from Oxford substitute Jamie Mackie in the 71st minute just after the striker had come off the bench.

Dons had a good early opportunity with James Hanson heading over, but the U’s then began to assert themselves with Mark Sykes catching the eye in midfield.

Luke Garbutt was denied by a fine save from Ramsdale when he connected with Gavin Whyte’s pull-back.

And after Jerome Sinclair poked a shot wide at full stretch as Ramsdale raced out, Cameron Brannagan fired against the outside of the post.

A succession of stoppages for injuries disrupted the flow early in the second half, which finished with the home side pressing hard for a winner but unable to find it.

Oxford winger Whyte drove over the bar from 15 yards in the last throes but the game finished goalless.

The Dons still remain in the bottom four, but are now just one point behind Rochdale and Scunthorpe above them.