Alistair Smith stunner helps AFC Wimbledon see off promotion rivals Notts County

Alistair Smith’s superb strike helped AFC Wimbledon end their four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over League Two promotion rivals Notts County.

Joe Lewis had opened the scoring for the Dons, who moved above their opponents into fourth place and got their automatic promotion hopes back on track.

The first chance fell to Marcus Browne after a delightful lay-off from Omar Bugiel but the midfielder dragged his effort wide of the left post.

The early pressure told in the 21st minute when Lewis headed James Tilley’s superb delivery past goalkeeper Alex Bass.

Browne then saw a powerful strike saved by Bass after he was put through on goal by an exquisite Bugiel pass.

However, Smith made it 2-0 in the 35th minute with a thunderous right-footed shot from outside the box which nestled into the top-right corner.

The Dons remained on top after the break and it was nearly 3-0 after Browne picked out Matty Stevens with a cut-back but the Dons’ top scorer could only watch as his attempt drifted agonisingly wide.

Alassana Jatta hit the crossbar with a blistering effort from close range in the 80th minute for the visitors.