In a huge cup upset last night, AFC Wimbledon knocked out Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town on penalties to advance to the third round of the League Cup.
The League Two side triumphed 4-2 in the shootout after a late equalizer from Ipswich’s Conor Chaplin forced the match beyond regular time. The drama began early when Ali Al-Hamadi, facing his former club, nodded in a third-minute opener from Conor Townsend’s corner, giving Ipswich an early advantage. However, the Dons responded just before the break with Omar Bugiel heading home Jake Reeves’ free-kick to level the score.
Wimbledon then seized the lead through Matty Stevens, who rose above a crowded penalty area to head the hosts ahead. Ipswich, struggling to find their rhythm, appeared on the brink of an early exit until Chaplin’s header with just four minutes remaining, sent the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Ipswich’s hopes were dashed when goalkeeper Owen Goodman made crucial saves against Jack Taylor and Omari Hutchinson. Isaac Ogundere stepped up to deliver the winning penalty, sending the Plough Lane faithful into raptures as their side pulled off the upset.
Ipswich Town, returning to the top flight with defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, failed to find solace in the cup. Manager Kieran McKenna had overhauled his squad with ten changes, including debuts for Chiedozie Ogbene and Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips. Despite dominating possession in the first half, Ipswich struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances.
The Tractor Boys’ frustration grew as they failed to break down Wimbledon’s resilient defence, with the Dons making the most of their limited opportunities. A disallowed goal for offside added to Ipswich’s woes, as Omar Bugiel’s strike, which appeared to be onside, was controversially ruled out.
Despite a spirited effort led by new signing Jack Clarke in the second half, Ipswich could not find the decisive breakthrough. Substitute Massimo Luongo came closest, but his shot clipped the outside of the post. Even with the introduction of four starters from their weekend defeat at Manchester City, Ipswich could not capitalize on Chaplin’s late equalizer.
In the end, the fourth-tier Dons celebrated a famous victory, leaving manager Johnnie Jackson delighted.
“We said to the lads there will be no repercussions if it (the penalty shootout) doesn’t go our way, so hopefully that brought them a bit of calmness. They took them really well,” said Jackson.
“It’s the highlight of my career, certainly one of them. That’s the third time coming up against Kieran as a manager and it hasn’t gone great for me in the previous couple, so to win tonight against such a talented young coach is nice on a personal level.
“But I’m just really pleased for the football club to have a night like this. Beating a Premier League team is outstanding.”
Writer’s View
This was a huge result for Wimbledon, who can now look forward to another big encounter due to the seeding in the competition.
A win like this can lift the spirits of a club, and with the Wombles fighting for promotion out of League Two, it can be a big boost. Confidence is an important aspect of football, and this will absolutely give them confidence.
A big tie against one of the major London clubs would be nice, giving them another memory at the new Plough Lane, helping to reinforce their identity as the real Dons.
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