In a thrilling five-goal match at Vale Park, top-seeded Port Vale defeated AFC Wimbledon, continuing their dismal away performance.
The home team had a commanding halftime lead thanks to two early goals from Rico Richards and Brandon Cover.
The game appeared to be finished when Jayden Stockley scored almost instantly after John Neufville’s goal for the South Londoners in the 62nd minute.
The damage was already done, even though there was a grandstand finish as Myles Hippolyte drew another back and then struck the bar in injury time.
Dave Hunt-Jackson’s talking points from the game are as follows:
A TACTICAL EVENING
Port Vale has three somewhat slow center-halves, so it should have been obvious that they would be open to fast-paced attacks, which is exactly what happened when Wimbledon did go at them, such when Matty Stevens hit the inside of the post in the first half.
Route two was an attempt to present Darren Moore with an alternative strategy, but route one was never going to work.
Josh Kelly’s introduction and three-on-three play with the home defence did help things, but by that point the Dons were behind 3-1 and had fewer than 20 minutes remaining.
AWAY FORM NEEDS TO BE BETTER
Wimbledon has only gained four points away from home after losing their last three away league games. Three of their five victories have come against the bottom four, despite their stellar 100% record at Plough Lane.
Even though they have been impressive at home, they will not succeed in their promotion goal unless they are able to accrue more prizes while travelling.
Their predictability is a major issue. That might not matter in places like Morecambe and Carlisle, where people may be aware of what is coming yet not be able to handle it.
They have lost their last three road games when playing the better teams.
A RESILIANT DISPLAY THAT PERHAPS DESERVED MORE
Notwithstanding the tactical issues and some very ordinary defending for the Port Vale goals, this was a performance full of character. To be two goals down inside a quarter of an hour against the league leaders calls for resilience and guts, and AFC Wimbledon showed those qualities in abundance.
Whereas in the past they might have wilted and taken a hammering, the class of 2024-25 are made of sterner stuff.
Wimbledon were the better side for the last 75 minutes and twice responded to going two goals behind. Once they finally got going, they gave the Valiants a real scare and if Hippolyte’s shot had been an inch lower they would have grabbed a share of the points.
Even if the team is the best Jackson has ever had, he still deserves a lot of praise for the clear sense of teamwork he has instilled in this year’s players, which was evident on Saturday.
Team spirit, however, can only take you so far and if the Dons are to reach League One they need to start outsmarting their opponents. Make no mistake the players are good enough but too many more tactical missteps and a third consecutive season of under achievements awaits.
BALL IS A REVELATION
Last season, James Ball struggled to establish himself in a team where Jake Reeves and Armani Little were preferred to him when fit.
Despite Reeves’ current injury, it has been at the heart of a three-man central defence that Ball has excelled.
The Dons have an embarrassment of riches at the back, but such have been Ball’s displays whoever he has partnered it is hard to imagine how he can be left out.
It seems that Ryan Johnson and Riley Harbottle may now be fighting for the third berth alongside Ball and Joe Lewis.
That said, with his confidence sky high it may be Callum Maycock and Alistair Smith who should be looking over their shoulders should Ball return to his normal role in midfield.
