AFC Wimbledon score twice late on to snatch dramatic draw against Accrington

Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2024 by PA

James Tilley’s stoppage-time thunderbolt rescued a point for AFC Wimbledon as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Accrington at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Accrington had looked set for the three points as second-half goals from Nelson Khumbeni and Dara Costelloe saw them leading heading into the final two minutes of regulation time.

But Alistair Smith gave the hosts a lifeline in the 89th minute before Tilley struck deep into added time with a 25-yard drive to earn his side a draw.

Wimbledon came closest to breaking the deadlock during a goalless first half when Matty Stevens saw his shot from the edge of the six-yard box go over the crossbar.

Stevens fired wide from five yards out following a superb cutback from Josh Neufville as Johnnie Jackson’s side got closer and closer after the break.

Then, against the run of play, Khumbeni stroked the ball into the top right-corner of the net from outside the box to give Stanley the lead in sensational style.

Costelloe could have made it 2-0 after being put through on goal, but his shot was well saved by Owen Goodman.

It was a case of deja vu just seconds later though when Costelloe was put through again, but this time he made no mistake, poking the ball past Goodman to send Accrington’s 77 away supporters into a state of ecstasy.

However, there would be a late twist in the tale as Wimbledon hit back in stunning fashion.

Smith blasted the ball into the bottom right corner with the outside of his boot to halve the deficit and set up a tense finish.

And, with seven minutes of stoppage time played and just seconds remaining, Tilley fired a shot into the top-left corner from outside the box to salvage a point for the Dons.

Stanley defender Farrend Rawson was sent off after full-time for violent conduct to cap a fiery end to the fixture.