AFC Wimbledon deepen Northampton’s relegation woes with narrow win

Callum Maycock’s first-half finish secured AFC Wimbledon a 1-0 triumph over relegation-threatened Northampton, who have now gone six League One games without a win.

The Dons were on the front foot in the early stages, with Myles Hippolyte nodding Isaac Ogundere’s threatening cross just wide of the right post.

The early pressure paid off in the ninth minute when Maycock tapped Marcus Browne’s superb cut-back past Lee Burge to give the hosts the lead.

James Tilley used a combination of pace and skill to burst into the penalty area in the 20th minute, but his dangerous low cross was cleared away to safety.

Tilley continued to impress as the half progressed, producing a cultured strike from the edge of the box that forced an excellent save from Burge.

Burge was called into action again on the stroke of half-time to stop Maycock’s powerful strike from finding the bottom right corner of the Northampton goal.

Joe McDonnell got down quickly to deny Tom Eaves as the visitors went on the hunt for an equaliser after the break.

Northampton also went close in the 60th minute, but McDonnell made another great save to stop Jake Evans’ shot.

Browne had an acrobatic effort cleared off the line as the clash drew to a close.