Doncaster and AFC Wimbledon share spoils in battle for automatic promotion

Doncaster and AFC Wimbledon shared an enthralling 1-1 draw at the Eco-Power Stadium in the battle for automatic promotion.

Alistair Smith’s early goal handed the advantage to Wimbledon, who then saw skipper Jake Reeves sent off before the half hour.

The game became an attack versus defence affair with Rovers piling on pressure until substitute Billy Sharp was dismissed.

However, Jamie Sterry netted a deflected equaliser 11 minutes from time to set up a grandstand finish, though neither side could find a winner.

Wimbledon took the lead in the fifth minute as Smith watched Matty Stevens’ cross drift across his body before placing the ball into the far corner.

The game took a twist on 28 minutes when Wimbledon skipper Reeves was dismissed for a high and late challenge on Harry Clifton.

Doncaster pushed hard for the leveller with Rob Street and Owen Bailey going close.

The pattern continued in the second half until Sharp saw red after an off-the-ball incident with Joe Lewis on 72 minutes.

But Sterry pounced in space to lash home from 25 yards via a deflection to equalise on 79 minutes.