The win marks only the Dons’ second away triumph this season and extends Barrow’s winless streak to six games.
Stevens’ Double Seals It for the Dons
Wimbledon took the lead in just the second minute when Joe Pigott capitalised on a defensive error. Barrow captain Niall Canavan’s misjudged back header allowed Pigott to pounce, steering the ball past goalkeeper Paul Farman. The early advantage was almost extended as James Tilley tested Farman with a long-range effort and saw an in-swinging corner controversially disallowed for a foul.
Barrow fought back just before half-time thanks to an error from Wimbledon’s goalkeeper Owen Goodman. His under-hit goal-kick fell to Andy Dallas, who brought the ball down expertly, held off his marker, and finished clinically from the edge of the box.
The second half remained finely balanced, with both goalkeepers pulling off crucial saves. But it was Stevens who made the difference in the 76th and 77th minutes. His first came after Pigott’s deft flick-on, as Stevens poked the ball beyond Farman. Moments later, Josh Neufville’s excellent work on the flank set up Stevens again, who finished from close range to secure the victory.
“It was a close game and it was in the balance for quite a while. It’s a tough place to come and they were tough conditions today so it was never going to be too pretty. But in a tight game, we had the moments of quality in the second half to take the game away from them, so it was a really good away performance,” said AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson.
Barrow’s struggles continue as they slip below Wimbledon in the table, with manager Stephen Clemence urging his players to stick together through their difficult spell.
“It’s so frustrating. We have to keep going. The only thing you can do when you are in these sort of runs is to stick together and keep working hard. The boys deserve more points than we have picked up in the last five or six weeks. For whatever reason, it hasn’t gone our way,” Clemence admitted.
Writer’s View
AFC Wimbledon’s victory showcased their grit and opportunism, especially through Stevens’ clinical finishing. The win could be pivotal as they hold games in hand over their rivals. For Barrow, the defensive lapses and inability to convert chances continue to undermine their performances, leaving Clemence with plenty to address.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
