Alistair Smith fires AFC Wimbledon to vital victory against Harrogate

AFC Wimbledon kept their outside chances of winning automatic promotion alive with a 1-0 victory at home to Harrogate.

A second-half strike from Alistair Smith proved to be enough for the south London outfit.

The hosts started on the front foot in windy conditions at Plough Lane, although Harrogate were capable of holding their own.

The visitors were forced to make a substitution after 30 minutes when Toby Sims limped off, with Bryant Bilongo coming on.

Chances were at a minimum, with a cross from Aaron Sasu in the 34th minute going well wide, although Josh Kelly fired his effort in the 40th minute straight at James Belshaw.

The Harrogate stopper turned a Riley Harbottle header from close range onto the bar before the break, in what was by far the best move of the half.

Wimbledon pushed for an opener after the break, putting pressure on the visiting back line without much reward.

And their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when substitute Osman Foyo crossed into the area for Smith to slot home – a move that proved the decisive goal.