The moment of magic that led to Dons’ opener deserved to win this feisty League Two clash with Dagenham & Redbridge, but it was not to be.

Instead, Michael Smith’s excellent first half header – with a nod to Peter Sweeney’s approach play – was cancelled out by Rhys Murphy’s low strike, and AFC Wimbledon had to settle for a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw.

A match of few chances was rarely allowed to get going thanks to a whistle happy referee who, despite some very worthy cases, amazingly showed only one card all night – to Callum Kennedy in stoppage time.

Dons had the best chance to win all three points when second half substitute Jack Midson released Smith on goal, but the Daggers stopper Chris Lewington saved the striker’s low effort.

Neal Ardley’s men moved up to 10th on the back of the point, and they go to Bristol Rovers, in 22nd, on Saturday.

Your Local Guardian:

Top drawer: Michael Smith enjoys the moment

Your Local Guardian:

Team spirit: And so do his team-mates

Your Local Guardian:

Trickster: George Porter on the right wing

Your Local Guardian:

Trickster #2: Kaid Mohamed on the left wing

Your Local Guardian:

Clear: Andy Frampton prevents League Two's top scorer Rhys Murphy from getting neat the Dons goal....

Your Local Guardian:

However, Murphy would level the scores from outside the area