[ 28 Nov 23 ] GILLS v AFC Wimbledon Match Thread

[Garawa]

- The Gills have won their last 2 meetings with AFC Wimbledon and they followed 4 games without one (2 draws and 2 defeats).
- AFC Wimbledon have won their last 2 league games after failing to win in the 5 games before. In league and cup games, they have won 4 of the last 5 after going winless in the previous 5.
- AFC Wimbledon are winless in 3 away league games ending with their only away league defeat this season - a 1-4 loss at Morecambe. The draws in that sequence were at the end of an unbeaten away run of 8 games which included 4 of their 7 league wins.
- AFC Wimbledon have conceded the fewest number of goals (5) in the first halves of League 2 games this season. 7 of their last 8 league games have seen them avoid conceding, letting in 2 goals in the other game whilst the Gills have scored 2 first half goals in their last 7 games.
- AFC WImbledon have lost 4 league games this season. Just 6 league games saw them concede a lead (the fewest number of deficits in the division) and only 1 of them have come in their away matches - their only away loss in their previous away league match.
- AFC Wimbledon have the worst foul difference in League 2 with 68 more fouls conceded than won. They have conceded 66 in their last 4 games compared with the Gills' 29.

(19:47) EFL Sky Bet League 2: Gillingham FC vs AFC Wimbledon - Kick Off [ 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 ]

(20.05) The Gills have looked the more fluid and attacking side but the visitors get the first big chance. They break on the right and the ball is cut across Turner and an unguarded net but its behind a Wimbledon attacker and any contact should be 0-1.

(20.17) Wimbledon get into the box and the ball is cut behind everyone. Any touch and the ball could go anywhere but instead it is a Gills throw.

(20.32) The referee adds on 1 additional minute.

(20.33) Half time 0-0 [46:00]

(20.49) The second half kicks off.

(20.51) A curling Mahoney free kick takes it past the defence and towards the far post where 3 Gills players lunge at the loose ball and somehow fail to make any contact which would open the scoring.

(21.03) A poor Gills effort bounces harmlessly wide by Mahoney gets on the end of it and somehow smashes a fierce shot over the bar. It goes quite high but a meter nearer goal and it could have been a world-class effort.

(21.09) The floodlights have failed due to a power cut in the local area.

(21.32) The Gills get the backup generators on, the lights working and the game resumes in the 64th minute.

(21.35) The 4th official indicates 24 additional minutes to play as Wimbledon float a ball forward. It's headed out of Turner's hands and falls under the crossbar where it is headed off the line and away from goal by a Wimbledon player!

(21.38) Jefferies gives the ball away poorly. Wimbledon break at pace and drives a fierce shot just wide onto the stantion.

(21.47) Mahoney gets free and past his man. He crosses perfectly to the head of Lapslie and anywhere at goal is a certain opener but he puts it straight at the 'keeper.

(21.50) A weak Wimbledon effort eludes Turner and it rolls gently off the right hand post.

(21.52) GOAL! Gillingham 1-0 AFC Wimbledon: Masterson

(20.03) The second half goes into the 73rd minute.

(20.03) FULL TIME 1-0 [95:23]

Attendance: 5,747 (548)
Position: 7th
Referee: Lee Swabey
Match highlights:
BBC Match Report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67482133