Ipswich Town, currently pursuing promotion to the Championship, successfully withstood a fierce challenge from 10-man AFC Wimbledon at Cherry Red Records Stadium to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The match began confidently for Ipswich Town, as Nathan Broadhead’s well-placed shot resulted in an own goal by Josh Davison.
The home team, then seventh in League Two, responded impressively, leveling the score through a penalty executed by Jake Reeves.
However, Ipswich took control of the game and led at halftime after defender Axel Tuanzebe scored his first goal for the club. The second-half dismissal of Harry Pell, receiving a second yellow card, made AFC Wimbledon’s struggle even more challenging, especially against an opponent 53 places above them in the football hierarchy.
Jack Taylor secured Ipswich’s victory in the 90th minute, tapping the ball in from close range and guiding the visitors into the fourth round for the second consecutive season.
Despite a spirited performance from Johnnie Jackson’s squad, the effort to force a replay at Portman Road was halted by Taylor’s late goal.
Pell’s expulsion just before the hour mark, following an alleged elbow incident towards George Edmundson, could have led to a substantial defeat for AFC Wimbledon. Ipswich, returning to the winning ways after five winless games, including four draws, now sits 10 points behind Championship leaders Leicester City.
In the previous four games, Ipswich’s only goal was an own goal in the 1-1 draw against Leicester on Boxing Day. Once again, Ipswich took the lead through an own goal, with Davison being the unfortunate player to deflect the ball past goalkeeper Bass at the near post after Broadhead directed a short corner towards the far post.
Wimbledon’s response was swift and decisive, with Ryan Johnson missing a great chance and a handball by Taylor resulting in Reeves converting a penalty to make it 1-1.
Davison and Aron Sasu posed problems for the visiting defense, but Ipswich regained composure, showcasing the form that has placed them in automatic promotion contention. The relentless efforts of Broadhead, including a close-range attempt and a brilliant turn that forced a save from Bass, demonstrated Ipswich’s determination.
The reprieve for Wimbledon was brief, as another corner kick saw Ipswich take the lead, with Tuanzebe bravely heading the ball home.z z z z z z z z z z z z
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans shot wide for AFC Wimbledon before the break, but Ipswich had better opportunities, notably a powerful strike by Cameron Humphreys deflecting onto the post. Ipswich continued to dominate after Pell’s early exit.
AFC Wimbledon, who had won five of their last six home games in the FA Cup, tested goalkeeper Walton with a shot from Armani Little, but Ipswich also created numerous chances.
Humphreys again came close with a decent far-post header after a flowing move, debutant Jeremy Sarmiento was denied by goalkeeper Bass, and Luke Woolfenden had a goal disallowed for offside before Taylor’s simple third goal.
