By Martin Atherton
A good result on paper for Russ Martin’s Dons against a high-flying Peterborough side, though they will again be disappointed to have not attained all three.
Former Don Jonson Clarke-Harris had initially given Posh the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes, but Jerome levelled things on late to give the home outfit a more-than-deserved point.
In complete contrast to Saturday, the Dons started much the brighter and really took the game to their opponents. Sørensen, restored to the XI in lieu of Surman, saw the first chance of the game, though failed to keep his header down after Fraser’s sensational cross.
The Dons’ #10 continued to be a livewire in the centre, twisting and turning his opposite numbers and constantly finding space you’d never think possible. The midfielder won his side a free kick in an excellent position on the edge of the area; however, Jerome’s effort was hit directly at Pym and caused the former Exeter man no trouble.
But, as is ever the case, their inability to see out the first half hour without conceding haunted them – Clarke-Harris outjumping three Dons defenders to head home past a helpless Fisher. Claims were made for a foul on Keogh, but replays showed it would have been harsh to give. 0-1.
The goal stopped Martin’s men in their stride, and they came to an abrupt halt. Tempers suddenly became short, both Dean Thornton and Sorinola both having their names taken by David Rock – quite why, we’ll never know.
But the hosts did get going again and the first half ended with Pym seeing yellow for timewasting as Posh struggled to look up to the task of managing the Dons’ slick play. The infamous Trevor Kettle, standing in as fourth official on the night, then booked Luke Williams as things began to boil over more. HT 0-1.
The second half started with yet another member of coaching staff being booked, this time Posh’s Darren Ferguson, as the Dons continued to mount pressure on their opponents.
Fraser was next to fashion a real opportunity, put through on goal by the impressive Sørensen, though the Scot sent his effort way over the bar and into Block 12.
It then appeared as if the home side had won themselves a penalty – Fraser hacked down clear as day by Frankie Kent – but the referee waved play on, much to the dismay of almost all 2000 in attendance.
But with continued persistence the Dons were rewarded for their efforts, Jerome latching onto a pin-point pass from Fraser to hammer past Pym and bring his side level. 1-1. GET IN!
It then looked clear as day that the Dons would go on to find themselves a winner, the introductions of Harvie and Walker causing havoc for the Posh back line. Poole came close deep into injury time, though the wing-back narrowly failed to latch onto Sørensen’s ball.
But that winner wasn’t meant to be as Martin’s side failed to find a second, mind they certainly won’t walk away too disheartened after putting in an excellent shift against one of the league’s favourites. FT 1-1.
Perhaps disappointing to not take all three points, but that remains an excellent showing against one of the sides tipped pre-season to walk this division. It’s vital, however, that Martin’s men eradicate these simple individual errors that are costing them games.
Saturday takes us deep down South to an out-of-form Plymouth side with an opportunity to move further away from the bottom four.
