Wimbledon escape with point

AFC Wimbledon had their goalkeeper and the woodwork to thank for a 0-0 draw against promotion-chasing Southend.

Joe McDonnell, making his first start of the season, made a succession of fine saves while Southend's Barry Corr saw a second-half effort bounce off the line, despite being convinced it was in. McDonnell, who was replacing the injured James Shea in goal, kept the scores level inside five minutes, making a low save to his right from Corr's shot. The Dons began to find their feet and created two quick chances, first through Tom Beere, whose powerful drive ricochet back off the crossbar following Callum Kennedy's deep cross. Then Adedeji Oshilaja recycled possession and fed Jake Reeves, who saw his 25-yard drive whistle just wide of Ted Smith's post. After the break Corr then found space down the left to cross but David Worrall's downward header was straight at McDonnell. The Shrimpers continued to dominate proceedings, but failed to work McDonnell with a succession of long-range efforts. Southend were furious not to have taken the lead in the 76th minute when Corr's curling strike from the corner of the area bounced down off the bar and looked to have crossed the line only for referee Graham Scott to wave play on. The Dons were hanging on and nearly conceded after McDonnell's scuffed clearance gave Michael Timlin a clear sight of goal from 30 yards, but his effort was cleared in the six-yard box by Kennedy. McDonnell again came to the rescue in added time, smothering substitute Jack Payne's near-post effort.