AFC Wimbledon put one foot into the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy with victory over League Two leaders Plymouth on Tuesday.
Lyle Taylor and Tyrone Barnett struck within three minutes of each other midway through the second half to clinch cancel out old-boy Connor Smith’s opener for the Pilgrims.
This second win of the competition for the Dons means they need just a point at already eliminated Newport County next month to advance as group winners.
Here's a quick thought or five about the welcome win.
Dons have left Plymouth way behind
Last time these two sides clashed it was in front of almost 60,000 at The National Stadium with a League One place the prize whereas an audience of just 936 told you this was small beer in comparison.
There were just two Dons who started in May and no Pilgrims at all.
Nevertheless, the hosts confirmed the form from that momentous day, albeit against the much-changed League Two leaders unbeaten in eight games.
Lyle Taylor not just a glory hunter
Taylor, as he was at Wembley, was the Pilgrims’ tormentor in chief, scoring the leveller with a poacher’s finish before turning provider for Tyrone Barnett’s winner.
The former Bournemouth striker has five for the season now, but it was his work-rate typified by chasing a lost cause to win a corner at one end before the next minute covering back to prevent a corner at the other which confirmed him as a real team man.
Tyrone Barnett’s best day yet
His winner against Charlton apart it has been a tough start for the summer arrival from Shrewsbury, but this was the sort of target-man display his rival for a starting shirt Tom Elliott has reeled out with regularity.
More performances like this and Barnett like Elliott will find his place in the affections of the Wombles’ faithful.
Enter Alfie Egan
The academy graduate, who only signed a professional contract in February produced an eye-catching debut from the bench and was involved in the build-up for Barnett’s winner.
He might still be a teenager with lots of work ahead of him but this cameo suggest Alfie know what it’s all about.
Chris Whelpdale to get a chance soon?
The summer arrival from Stevenage has made just three cameo appearances since his last start in the visit to Rochdale at the end of August.
The Checkatrade trophy rules which state you must pick five of the previous starting line-up or play five starters from a trophy game in your next league match probably haven’t helped the midfielder’s progress.
But unless his fortunes change Whelpdale might want to invest in a pillow and a good book for those days in the dugout.
