On Saturday Mike Williamson’s Carlisle United made the long trip to Wimbledon where they were well beaten 4-0 by Johnnie Jackson’s side who were dominant from start to finish.
An overview of the game
Both sides started slowly but Wimbledon’s high press was causing Carlisle a lot of problems. After 8 minutes Matty Stevens headed home the opener from a corner from James Tilley, the defending for the set piece from a Carlisle perspective left a lot to be desired.
Wimbledon then were dominant throughout the first half, they were pressing high up the pitch, controlling the midfield and causing a lot of trouble for the Carlisle defence in the transitions. In the 39th minute, Matty Stevens capitalised on Harry Lewis pushing a shot back into the danger area as he slotted home from close range.
Right before half-time, there was a third goal for the home side from another corner which caused some confusion in the area and Carlisle defender Cameron Harper got the final touch to make it 3-0 at halftime.
The second half started much the same way the first finished and Wimbledon were dominant the combination of Tilley and Stevens worked again with a cross into the box and a free header at the back post for Stevens to complete his hat-trick. Wimbledon were then comfortable, and it was clear to see they were taking their foot off the gas, resting players and calming the tempo of the game.
Carlisle had 66% possession in this game and didn’t have a meaningful shot on goal. Wimbledon were more than worthy of their 4-0 victory.
What did we learn from an AFC Wimbledon perspective?
The home side had their share of injuries but you wouldn’t have thought that. The make-shift defence did their job but were largely untroubled by the Carlisle attack.
Matty Stevens upfront for Johnnie Jackson’s side getting a hat trick is a huge positive. His partnership with Omar Bugiel caused the Carlisle defence problems all game with their high press.
Alistair Smith in midfield was comfortably the best player on the pitch. He ran the game from minute one and outplayed all of the Carlisle midfield on his own. His ball retention and interceptions stopped every attempt Carlisle made to go forward and started every Wimbledon attack.
What did we learn from a Carlisle United perspective?
It was a poor day at the office for the Cumbrians. They had lots of possession in meaningless areas and finished the game with 66% possession but didn’t create anything at all with that possession.
Defensively from set pieces and crosses in to the box the away side were really poor. Free headers for two of the goals and an own goal for another and all from set pieces shows just how poor the defending was.
Carlisle’s midfield was totally outplayed and overran all game. The midfield three of Harrison Neal, Josh Vela and Harrison Biggins couldn’t lay a glove on Wimbledon from start to finish.
One positive was that Callum Guy and Taylor Charters got some minutes late on in their return from injury.
Where does this leave both sides in League Two?
Wimbledon now move up to 10th place 5 points from the top but have three games in hand on most teams around them. This result leaves Carlisle rock bottom of League Two with the worst defensive record in the league and with every week that passes it’s evident that the Cumbrians could be in a relegation battle this season.
Who’s up next for both sides?
Carlisle United welcome Harrogate Town to Brunton Park next weekend where they will want to bounce back from this weekend’s heavy defeat. AFC Wimbledon travel to Notts County next weekend as they look to build on the positives from this weekend’s performance and result.