Report by John Patrick Heeley

Wigan's woes continue

AFC Wimbledon secured their first League One victory of the 2026/27 season with a dramatic late winner, beating Wigan 1-0 at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Myles Hippolyte struck just two minutes from time to settle a closely contested encounter and leave the visitors empty-handed.

The Dons made an energetic start and felt they should have been awarded a penalty early in the match.

Jayden Stockley chased down a loose clearance from Wigan goalkeeper Joe Walsh and appealed for a foul after going to ground, but referee Andrew Humphries was unmoved.

Wigan soon threatened at the other end and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring.

Jensen Weir's cross-shot looped towards goal and required a fingertip save from Joe McDonnell, who diverted the ball onto the crossbar.

Dara Costelloe then fired narrowly wide as the Latics enjoyed a strong spell of pressure.

Latics continued to create opportunities throughout the first half.

Archie Harris, who had come on as an early substitute, missed a promising chance from the edge of the box, while McDonnell produced another important save on the stroke of half-time to keep the scores level.

Wimbledon improved after the break and began to exert greater control.

Alistair Smith produced an important defensive intervention to halt a dangerous Wigan counter-attack, while McDonnell was again called into action when he raced from his line to deny Connor Barrett.

The home side came close themselves when a goalmouth scramble ended with Steve Seddon striking the post from close range.

Wimbledon continued to push forward and substitute Donnell McNeilly injected fresh energy into the attack during the closing stages.

After several missed opportunities at both ends, the decisive moment finally arrived in the 88th minute.

McNeilly slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Myles Hippolyte, who calmly poked the ball beyond Walsh to spark celebrations among the home supporters.

Wigan pressed for a late equaliser but were unable to find a breakthrough against a determined Wimbledon defence.

The result earned the Dons a valuable three points and their first league win of the campaign, while Wigan were left to reflect on a number of missed chances.

Despite enjoying more possession and creating several opportunities, Wigan could not find a way past goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, whose series of important saves kept Wimbledon in the contest.

The hosts remained patient and were rewarded late on when Hippolyte's composed finish sealed a hard-fought victory.