Josh Neufville’s early goal sent AFC Wimbledon to Wembley as they edged past Notts County in a confident 1-0 win at Plough Lane.
The Dons secured a 2-0 aggregate victory in the League Two play-off semi-final and will now face Walsall for a place in League One.
Neufville Strikes As Dons Defend With Grit
AFC Wimbledon wasted little time easing the nerves of a packed home crowd, as Josh Neufville’s composed finish gave them the perfect start. The forward latched on to a pinpoint long ball from Joe Lewis in the ninth minute, calmly lifting his shot over Alex Bass to double the Dons’ aggregate lead.
From that moment, Wimbledon looked composed and in control. While Notts County pressed in short spells, they failed to carry any sustained threat, and Owen Goodman was rarely tested in goal. The Dons’ defensive shape — marshalled by midfield enforcer Alistair Smith — remained unbroken throughout.
Marcus Browne had two glorious chances to kill the tie early in the second half, both set up by strike partner Matty Stevens. But the forward hesitated on each occasion, allowing the visitors to clear. A third chance fell to Stevens himself in the 68th minute, but Bass produced a superb low save to keep County’s faint hopes alive.
In the end, it didn’t matter. Wimbledon’s defensive discipline saw out the result, and their fans can now plan for a trip to Wembley.
Smith The Standout As Wimbledon Deliver
Much of the credit for Wimbledon’s defensive solidity has gone to their back three, but it was midfielder Alistair Smith who shone brightest on the night. His tireless energy and precise tackling broke up multiple County attacks, while his composure on the ball allowed the Dons to build from deep. It was a performance that underlined his importance to Johnnie Jackson’s system.
In tactical terms, Wimbledon stuck with the 3-5-2 that had served them well in the first leg. Neufville and Tilley offered pace and incision out wide, while Browne and Stevens led the line. With Omar Bugiel not in the squad, Joe Pigott was the main attacking option from the bench.
Notts County, meanwhile, were without key duo Alassana Jatta and David McGoldrick. Their absence told. Replacements Mai Traore and Charlie Whitaker struggled to replicate their threat, and County never looked capable of breaking down the best defensive unit in the division.
Writer’s View
Wimbledon may have limped into the play-offs after falling away from the automatic promotion spots, but they now look like a side peaking at the perfect time. They’ve kept three consecutive clean sheets and are full of confidence heading to Wembley.
Walsall will pose a different kind of challenge in the final, but with Smith dictating the midfield and Neufville in electric form, the Dons will fancy their chances of sealing a return to League One.
