Football Review | AFC Wimbledon 0 - 2 Gateshead

Gateshead knocked AFC Wimbledon out of the FA Cup

The Non-League side stunned Wimbledon and made light of the two tiers and 57 places that separated them

Author | Kris Stuart

Stadium | Plough Lane

AFC Wimbledon began brightly, asserting control in the opening stages as Alistair Smith stretched to meet a cross that flashed across goal, before Omar Bugiel went close from close range.

Joe Harbottle carried the ball purposefully through midfield after ten minutes, unleashing a strike from 25 yards that drifted wide. Smith then tested Gateshead goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks with a long-range attempt that was comfortably gathered.

For all Wimbledon’s dominance, it was Gateshead who struck first midway through the half. After regaining possession deep in their own half, the visitors broke quickly, and Adom finished clinically from inside the area.

Johnnie Jackson’s side responded with intent, pushing for an equaliser. 

A lively run from Sasu down the right created an opening for Smith, whose low drive was well saved by Brooks. As half-time approached, Bugiel’s hold-up play allowed Maycock to advance and curl a shot towards goal, only for a Gateshead defender to block.

Two minutes of added time passed without incident, leaving Wimbledon facing an uphill battle after the break.

What happened in the second-half?

Back underway - COYD! ✊#AFCW 🟡🔵 https://t.co/0NOpvfUZJR

— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) November 1, 2025

Wimbledon's challenge grew steeper soon after the restart. Nouble’s driven effort forced a fine save from Nathan Bishop, but Fenton John reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and double Gateshead’s advantage.

Jackson introduced fresh legs at the interval and again on the hour, yet the Dons struggled to trouble Brooks. Substitute Myles Hippolyte fired wide following a corner, as frustration began to grow.

With just over ten minutes to play, Sasu once again provided a dangerous delivery, but Smith’s sliding effort fell inches the wrong side of the post. Moments later, Steve Seddon’s cross was recycled by Hippolyte and met by substitute Danilo Orsi, whose header was tipped over by Brooks.

Despite sustained late pressure, Wimbledon could not breach a disciplined Gateshead defence. Lewis’s overhead kick flew off target, while Orsi’s tame strike was easily gathered as the visitors held firm to secure their place in the next round.