Dons (16th) had a 2-0 win over Walsall (13th) to break a 11 game losing streak. No Tzanev who's managing an injury.
From Flying Kiwis.
In other news, Nik Tzanev didn’t play for AFC Wimbledon. That’s a big deal because he simply does not miss league games for the Dons. The bro was one of five players in League One last season who played every single minute of the 46 games (4,140 mins for those of you who can’t use a calculator), having played 14 straight games to close the previous season. He’d been on track to do the same this time around in League Two... but injury caught up with him after 97 consecutive starts.
AFCW manager Johnnie Jackson: “Nik has been trying to manage an ongoing injury,” said Johnnie. “It’s got to a point where he felt unable to play and it was affecting him enough that it would be to the detriment of the team. No problem, in came Nathan Broome.”
Not sure how long he’ll be out for but they lost 2-1 to Barrow without him which made it 11 games in a row without a win, although they finally ended that drought with a 2-0 win over Walsall this morning. Their first win since January 29. Not sure why this club seems to be so streaky but they really are.
Wimbledon find themselves in a similar spot to Grimsby where they’ve only really got pride left to play for – even after this shocker run they’re still 14 points and eight places ahead of the relegation zone so doubtful that they’ll rush Tzanev back before he’s ready. But they’ll be begging that isn’t too long considering he was one of ten first team players out injured for that Barrow game.
Dons (19th) host Swindon Town (12th). Dons form has been awful lately. Only 1 win in their last 16 games (10 losses & 5 draws). Manager sacked amongst it all. Were a promotion playoff contender before that.
Dons (21st) host Tranmere Rovers (12th). Dons last home game of the season in this penultimate L2 round.
Next week Dons travel to Grimsby, for a Kiwi GK duel.
All three L2 teams involving Kiwis only have pride to play for. All 3 AWs are off contract. I imagine Grimsby will lock in Crocombe, but Smith & Tzanev who knows for sure. Bit more uncertainty with them
So Dons lost their last game 1-0 away at Crocombe's Grimsby. Tzanev was on the bench.
He played 39 of 46 League One games in goal. But he finished the season on the bench. He did have a long run of clean sheets early-mid season, and the Dons at one point looked a chance at the playoffs. But then the team fell away very badly. Only 1 win in their last 18 games, amongst 12 losses & 5 draws.
Wimbledon finished 21st, only 2 spots & 5 points above the drop zone. After being a League One club last season, they were probably expecting to perform better in League Two. They were equal 6th worst team amongst the 24 clubs for goals conceded (60) for the season https://us.soccerway.com/national/england/league-two/20222023/regular-season/r70495/
Will there be a bit of a clean out now? From memory they are mostly still a pretty young squad.
It appears our squad went on the piss last Sunday, turned up late to the End of Season Dinner and continued to make arses of themselves. Fitting, isn’t it? Especially as they’ve done likewise for the times of the week on the field too. Hearing that reminded me of a story involving a team fighting relegation (Forest, I think) whose squad went on a “bonding session” before the season ended. It didn’t even keep them up, which just gave more fuel to that particular fire. This club is in a similar state – too many people taking the piss, and not enough being done about it.
Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009 This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads
