Tranmere Rovers 1-1 AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon’s hopes of gatecrashing the League Two play-offs suffered a blow at Tranmere Rovers as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser at Prenton Park.

Bayo Akinfewa’s 15th goal of the season looked to have been enough to give the Dons their first away victory of 2015.

However, on-loan Everton youngster George Green produced late fireworks to pick up what could be a vital draw for the relegation-threatened side.

It means the Dons have now taken just 4 points from a possible 27 on the road this year and leaves them seven points off Plymouth in the final end-of-season shootout spot.

George Francomb failed a late fitness test with a muscle problem and was unable to take his place in the squad.

Dannie Bulman served the final game of his three-match suspension for his dismissal in the 3-2 loss at Exeter City earlier this month.

Opener: AFC Wimbledon's Adebayo Akinfenwa celebrates

Manager Neal Ardley was unable to take his place in the dugout after undergoing hip surgery on Thursday and left first-team duties to Neil Cox and Simon Bassey on the Wirral.

Green forced the first save of the match from Ross Worner as the Dons goalkeeper reacted instinctively to palm away an effort from the edge of the area.

There was an early setback for the visitors as Jack Smith’s injury woes continued and the full-back was replaced by Ben Harrison midway through the first half.

Despite Tranmere controlling most of the early play, it was Wimbledon who opened the scoring as the clock ticked towards the half-hour mark.

Akinfenwa maneuvered his large frame outside the box and his shot on the turn appeared to take a deflection and deceived Peter Brezovan to give the Dons a half-time advantage.

Tom Beere, fresh from penning a new contract, called Brezovan into action after the restart but this time the Tranmere shot-stopper was up to the challenge.

At the other end, Worner used his legs to pull off an unorthodox stop to once again keep Green out and the Wimbledon lead remained intact.

Tranmere were huffing and puffing but couldn’t blow the Dons house down as the visiting defence looked to put back-to-back clean sheets on the board.

Jake Reeves almost put the icing on the cake with a stunning strike from distance but Brezovan tipped it behind for a corner.

It was to prove a crucial save as Rovers remained in the game until stoppage time and the relegation-threatened side boosted their survival hopes with a late equaliser.

And it was Green, who had been a menace to the Dons all afternoon, who found the top corner with a fine hit to see the spoils shared as Cox and Bass raged at the referee for not awarding substitute Ade Azeez a penalty.

AFC Wimbledon: Worner, Fuller, Smith (Harrison, 18), Moore, Goodman, Oshilaja, Beere, Reeves, Akinfenwa, Tanner (Azeez 82), Rigg (Potter, 86).

Subs (not used): McDonnell, Phillips, Agyei, Gallagher.

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