BY DANIEL MARSH
AFC Wimbledon have turned a nook in latest weeks following the emergence of Mark Robinson as their new head coach.
It was solely becoming that the winner within the former Dons academy chief’s first house sport since his appointment – 1-0 in opposition to Gillingham on Tuesday – got here from a participant that he’s labored so intently with over the years in his earlier role.
Jack Rudoni has stood out persistently since breaking into the Dons senior set-up final Christmas, however in latest weeks he’s proven indicators of delivering an finish product on a extra constant foundation.
It’s now two targets in three video games for the difficult teen, who gave Connor Ogilvie a completely torrid night in SW19.
Deploying Rudoni on the right-hand aspect of a supporting trio behind Joe Pigott might show to be a masterstroke – his means to effortlessly chop inside on his most well-liked left foot was a fixed difficulty for the Gills’ backline.
The energetic Gillingham bench would have been sick of the sight of Rudoni lengthy earlier than he curled a corker past Jack Bonham within the remaining moments to settle a tense sport.
Both sides had their moments in a tight affair. The Dons have been spectacular within the first half and Ethan Chislett blew a golden likelihood to internet the opener – Rudoni’s floated cross precipitated havoc within the guests penalty space, however Chislett blazed wildly over from six yards.
Tuesday evening’s shutout was the primary clear sheet Wimbledon have saved this yr, and solely their fifth all season in League One.
It was deserved too. The Dons backline has are available for criticism this time period however they put in a gritty, dogged show with some stellar defensive work to disclaim a bruising Gillingham frontline any actual sniff of objective.
The latest change in strategy has paid dividends on the ball too. There was a actual bravery in Wimbledon’s need to get on the ball in a extra managed method. That measured strategy led to the later winner with a well-worked overload on the precise.
Robinson has overseen two wins in his three league video games in cost. Wimbledon have did not win back-to-back League One video games in additional than 18 months. Putting that hoodoo to mattress on the weekend would go a lengthy option to soothing relegation fears as we head into the enterprise finish of the season.
STAR MAN
Jack Rudoni had Conor Ogilvie on toast all evening. The shift to a extensive proper place has the potential to permit the Dons teenager to impose himself on video games extra.
BEST MOMENT
Rudoni’s late winner was a magnificence – a fast shimmy earlier than bending a tremendous strike previous Bonham and into the highest nook.
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