AFC Wimbledon were knocked out of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, losing 8-7 on penalties to Barnet after a 0-0 draw. The shootout required 20 kicks and saw both sides miss decisive spot kicks before Romoney Crichlow-Noble converted the winner for the National League side.
Johnnie Jackson's side, who sit ninth in the League One standings with 12 points from eight games, made several changes for the cup tie. They lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Nathan Bishop in goal and Steve Seddon and Isaac Ogundere among the starters. The match was a tight affair, with both teams registering 13 shots. Barnet's young goalkeeper Anthony Haralambous made key saves to deny Aron Sasu and Andre Yiadom.
A dramatic shootout
The deadlock could not be broken in 90 minutes, sending the game straight to penalties. The first ten takers all scored, with Zack Nelson, Steve Seddon, Ollie Harrison, Isaac Ogundere, H. Hedges and Joe Kirby converting for Wimbledon. The shootout then turned when Riley Horan saw his effort saved. Barnet's Tom Knowles missed the chance to win it, and S. Goma's subsequent miss for Wimbledon proved costly. Crichlow-Noble finally sealed an 8-7 victory for the visitors.
A costly red card
The match was marred by a red card for Wimbledon substitute Alistair Smith in the 77th minute for violent conduct, reducing the Dons to ten men for the closing stages. Barnet manager Dean Brennan said the evening "proved to be a positive" for his side after they made eight changes from their previous league match. Wimbledon's focus now shifts to a tough League One trip to face leaders Plymouth on Saturday. The Dons' recent form, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions, will be tested against the league leaders. Full details for the upcoming match can be found on the club's fixtures page, while the full squad details are also available.
