AFC Wimbledon boost promotion chances

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AFC Wimbledon 1 - 0 Gillingham

AFC Wimbledon climbed into League Two’s automatic promotion spots thanks to a contentious winner from Matty Stevens in their narrow victory over Gillingham.

Author - William G

EFL latest - Wimbledon boost promotion hopes

The decisive moment came early in the second half when Stevens appeared to bundle James Tilley’s corner into the net with his upper right arm, scoring his 12th league goal of the campaign.

Gillingham had reason to feel hard done by, having been denied a seemingly clear penalty in the first half. Conor Masterson was wrestled to the ground by Wimbledon's John-Joe O'Toole, but the referee waved play on in a game that simmered with tension throughout.

After Stevens’ goal, the visitors pushed for an equaliser, but Wimbledon held firm to leapfrog five teams into second place in the table. Gillingham, meanwhile, remain 13th, six points adrift of the play-off positions.

Did bad decisions cost Gillingham?

In a match short on clear-cut chances, the main talking points were two controversial moments that left Gillingham feeling aggrieved.

John-Joe O'Toole’s physical approach caused frustration, particularly when he appeared to put Conor Masterson in a headlock and haul him to the ground inside the box. Referee Sam Purkiss and his assistants didn’t spot the incident, much to Gillingham’s dismay.

The officials were also unsighted for Wimbledon’s winning goal. James Tilley’s teasing in-swinging corner evaded Max Ehmer and found Stevens, who seemed to inadvertently steer the ball in with his right arm as he attempted to chest it.

Gillingham improved after falling behind, pressing high and forcing Dons defender Ryan Johnson into a few nervy mistakes. Substitute Aaron Rowe almost capitalised, racing through on goal, but Wimbledon goalkeeper Owen Goodman reacted quickly to make a crucial tackle outside his area.

Despite the pressure, Johnnie Jackson’s side saw out the game and will head into 2025 in the top two, firmly on course for a return to League One after three seasons in the fourth tier.

Match highlights

Click the Twitter/X post we posted on the European Super Football to watch how AFC Wimbledon boosted their promotion hopes. 

Visit the EFL page of our website to discover more news from The Championship, League One and League Two.

Location: South London, UK

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