Charlie Kirk shines as Crewe go undefeated in 10 league matches after 1-1 draw to AFC Wimbledon

An energetic Charlie Kirk played an impressive performance on the left wing as he proved to be a quality outlet for the Railway men.

However, despite the winger’s performance Wimbledon held the home side to a thrilling 1-1 draw which saw both teams at either end of the table go toe to toe with each other.

It was AFC Wimbledon who took the lead within seconds of kick-off which saw Joel Pigott break the deadlock after latching on the end of Cheye Alexander’s looping cross, which was a sign of things to come for Crewe’s defence. Pigott nodded in from close range to put his side 1-0 up.

Despite owning the opening 15 minutes of the game, Wimbledon began to let Crewe develop and create a number of attacking chances. Although it took until the 32^nd minute for David Artell’s side to find the equaliser.

Oli Finney scores his seventh goal of the season after the ball fell to the midfielder after Billy Jones’s cross-cum shot deflects off the post into the path of Finney, the player made no mistake and buried his effort past Sam Walker in the Wimbledon goal.

A win would’ve taken the Dons out of the relegation zone but despite their best efforts, Pigott and co couldn’t beat Dave Richards who provided a handful of excellent saves to keep the scoreline level for Crewe.

With Kirk playing an inspiring role on the left wing, the number 10 made his job look simple as he played with ease against the Wimbledon defence and was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet for the Railway men.

Alongside Pigott, Ryan Longman was another key performer for the Dons after he made a lung-busting run in which he carried the ball from deep inside his own half to the Crewe by-line but there were no other fluorescent yellow shirts supporting the forward which allowed for Omar Beckles to regain possession.

Richards denied Pigott’s header from close range but only by a whisker, an impressive save from the Crewe shot stopper getting down fast and low to the left side of the goal.

As time drifted on, it looked likely that Wimbledon might’ve been able to snatch three points through Ryan Longman who held the ball up well and spun his man, but his forthcoming effort glanced wide at the far post; allowing for Richards to take a breather late on.

This was a promising performance for Hodges’ Wimbledon as they look to climb the league table and avoid relegation. Points were dropped for the Dons but go again on Tuesday night against Doncaster Rovers for their third match in a row away from home.

Crewe travel down south to Gillingham on Tuesday night in an attempt to go 12 unbeaten and closer towards the play-offs.

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