Bayo Akinfenwa came off the bench to score the winner and send AFC Wimbledon into the third round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the expense of rivals MK Dons.
These are the facts, but they only tell a minute part of the story for those loyal to Wimbledon.
Tuesday’s 3-2 victory at the home of the team known by Wimbledon fans as ‘The Franchise’, meant more than cup progression – much more. It ended 12 long and painful years.
Since The Crazy Gang lifted the FA Cup in 1988, their fans have had little to smile about, until recently.
Having formed their new club in 2002 and risen through the domestic football pyramid they are now under the management of former player Neal Ardley.
Ardley made 245 appearances for the original Wimbledon between 1991 and 2002, scoring 18 goals.
Therefore it seems fitting that Ardley was the man to lead the club, where he spent over a decade, to their most meaningful victory and seal his place in their history.
What the win means to Wimbledon’s progression in the cup, or their season, pales into insignificance – it’s what it means to the club and their loyal supporters.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions:
What a night. Pleasure to be involved in such a milestone for the club @AFCWimbledon absolutely buzzing. Lads were different class #dons
— Jake Nicholson (@nicholson_jake) October 7, 2014
There was recognition of the significance of the result from the sports media:
MK Dons 2-3 AFC Wimbledon. You won’t find a finer football result this season — Sam Elliott (@SamElliott_NLP) October 7, 2014
wrote The Non-League Paper’s news editor Sam Elliott.
And most importantly some of the fans’ reaction:
Delighted for the real Dons v The Franchise tonight! #justice #afcwimbledon
— Christian Gunn (@CP_Gunn) October 7, 2014
Fair play to #afcwimbledon. Might only be the JPT, but their fans will have been dreaming about that result for the past 12 years.
— Carl Field (@mrcarlfield) October 7, 2014
Well done #afcwimbledon Nothing will ever right what happened, but winning tonight must feel very good
— Graham Moody (@GrahamMoody) October 7, 2014
@daRealAkinfenwa welcome to the #afcwimbledon hall of fame. I think the club should pay for a lifetime supply of #nandos for you — Mark (@Dirkamania) October 7, 2014
Best chant ever. “Where were you when you were us!” #afcwimbledon fans to MK Dons fans tonight #JPTrophy
— Oliver Willcox (@OllieWillcox) October 7, 2014
There was even a message of support from the first ever winner of the X-Factor, Steve Brookstein:
Great news. Well done you Dons!
— Steve Brookstein (@stevebrookstein) October 7, 2014
This was a night that Dons fans won’t forget for a very long time.
Picture courtesy of Matthew Black, with thanks
