AFC Wimbledon boost slim play-off hopes by easing past Blackpool

AFC Wimbledon boosted their slim hopes of a League One play-off spot with a 4-1 win against relegation-threatened Blackpool at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

The game burst into life in the 11th minute when Ryan Johnson nodded Steve Seddon’s sublime corner past Bailey Peacock-Farrell to give his side the lead.

It could have been 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining of the first half when a long-range Myles Hippolyte strike took a deflection, forcing an excellent save from Peacock-Farrell.

Some intricate play on the edge of the box sent Reuell Walters through on goal as the half drew to a close, but Joe McDonnell reacted quickly to make a crucial save and maintain Wimbledon’s advantage.

The Dons won a penalty in the 53rd minute when James Husband fouled Marcus Browne as he burst into the box.

Matty Stevens stepped up to take the spot-kick and he sent Peacock-Farrell the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Blackpool pulled one back out of nowhere in the 62nd after Niall Ennis produced a delightful chip over McDonnell.

However, Zack Nelson went around the goalkeeper before tapping the ball into an empty net in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time to score his first goal since completing a loan move from Luton.

Omar Bugiel added a fourth from close range in the sixth minute of stoppage-time to wrap up the win.