York City 1-1 AFC Wimbledon

Neal Ardley’s AFC Wimbledon produced exactly the kind of gritty display the Dons had boss demanded to earn an FA Cup first round replay with York City.

Goalkeeper James Shea typified the never-say-die spirit Wimbledon showed at Bootham Crescent ashe twice denied the Minstermen at the death to force a replay at Kingmeadow.

Ardley had been fuming after last week’s dire performance at Northampton and made two changes from the side that were beaten by the Cobblers.

Ade Azeez made his first start since the JPT tie with MK Dons and Frankie Sutherland was given his full debut, as revealed by GetWestLondon earlier this week.

Less than 10 minutes into the game though and Ardley was tearing his hair out again.

Wimbledon’s defence went to sleep and failed to clear their lines and Jake Hyde, linked with a move to the Dons in the summer, made them pay by diverting in a loose ball.

Midway through the first period and the Dons were level.

If the defence was at fault for the opener, one of the culprits, Andy Frampton went some way to making up for the error as he secured the equaliser after City’s backline displayed some sloppy play of their own.

Frampton grew into the game until his day was ended by injury in the second period, Alan Bennett coming off the bench to replace him, and Hyde almost took advantage.

The tricky York striker sensed the Dons were yet to properly organise and fashioned a chance, heading narrowly over in a scare for the visitors.

It wouldn’t be the last as Wes Fletcher was twice thwarted by the brilliance of Shea in the closing stages to set up a replay on Tuesday week.

AFC Wimbledon: Shea, Fuller, Smith, Bulman, Frampton (Bennett), Francomb, Akinfenwa (Tubbs), Rigg, Azeez (Oakley), Barrett, Sutherland.

Subs (not used): McDonnell, Kennedy.