Sutton victory in South London derby points to contrasting fortunes, as Wimbledon gloom continues

FC Wimbledon 0

Sutton United (1) 1 Eastmond 30

By Dan Evans

The histories of AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United will remain forever intertwined, but Sutton’s 1-0 win in Saturday’s South London derby at the Cherry Red Records Stadium was proof that the two clubs are currently heading in different directions.

AFC’s first match following reformation in 2002 was a friendly against the U’s, and despite their success over the two decades since, it was Matt Gray’s side who continued on their upwards trajectory courtesy of a controversial first-half strike from Craig Eastmond.

Having reached the Papa John’s Trophy final before finishing just a point outside the play-off places in their debut football league campaign, Sutton are making themselves at home in League Two despite a growing injury list and indifferent recent form.

Wimbledon’s defeat means they have now won just three of their last 39 matches and sit just three points above the fourth tier drop zone following relegation from League One last term.

The Dons did start the brighter in this one, but a makeshift Sutton backline showed few signs of cracking.

Despite fielding winger Enzio Boldewijn at right-back, the visitors stuck diligently to their defensive game plan throughout the early exchanges.

When a Wimbledon opportunity to take the lead did present itself in the 17th minute, striker Josh Davison could only steer his effort wide of target with just ‘keeper Lewis Ward to beat.

The sold-out Sutton away end thought their side had gone ahead moments later, only for Nick Tzanev to gather the ball at the second attempt as Donovan Wilson’s effort trickled towards the goal line.

Ward was then called into action midway through the half, telegraphing Harry Pell’s long-range header before turning the ball around his post.

It was the Wimbledon stopper who was involved in the game’s first significant, and most controversial, moment though.

As Tzanev came to collect a Rob Milsom free-kick, the New Zealander collided with team-mate Jack Currie, allowing the ball to run loose and U’s skipper Eastmond to fire home via the crossbar.

The entire Wimbledon team protested to referee Carl Brook that Currie had been pushed, but the goal was allowed to stand and Dons’ boss Johnnie Jackson was shown a yellow card for his protests.

Despite the need for a response from the home team after the interval, Sutton had the first chance of the second period as Will Randall cut inside and unleashed an effort that forced Tzanev into a sprawling save in the 59th minute.

The home crowd initially remained supportive despite the score line, yet their side rarely threatened beyond a spattering of enticing balls played into the Sutton penalty area.

The best chance of a second goal in fact fell to Sutton’s Luton Town loanee Josh Neufville in the final 15 minutes, as the wideman shot straight at the Wimbledon ‘keeper after Randall done well to cross from the by-line.

Substitute Tope Fadahunsi was also denied by Tzanev in stoppage time as the U’s looked to seal the victory.

Whilst a chorus of boos were directed at referee Brook at the end of the first half, those that greeted the final whistle were firmly directed at Jackson and his players.

The day belonged to Gray and Sutton though, and the U’s boss lapped up the applause from the travelling supporters before heading down the tunnel.

Sutton are back in action on Tuesday as they take on Oxford United in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Wimbledon, who now appear firmly in a relegation battle, make the trip to fellow strugglers Rochdale next Saturday.

AFC Wimbledon: (3-4-3) Tzanev – Gunter, Kalambayi, Towler – Ogundere (Bartley 87), Pell, Maghoma, Currie (Woodyard 69) – Assal, Davison, Chislett (Senior 69). Subs not used: Broome, Hudlin, Bendle, Frimpong

Sutton United: (4-4-2) Ward – Boldewijn, Kizzi, Rowe, Milsom – Neufville, Lovatt, Eastmond, Randall – Bugiel (Kouassi 80), Wilson (Fadahunsi 90). Subs not used: House, Dundas, Gambin, Thomas