Wimbledon 1 Stoke 1

Last updated : 21 December 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Stoke City's third point from the last 36 on offer was a good return for their sterile performance.

The goals came late on and out of the blue, with David Connolly crashing Dons in front and substitute Chris Iwelumo heading an equaliser from nowhere.

The first half was no more than a dull game. The non-event produced no goals, no thrills and gave no idea where any might come from.

Throughout Stoke's crosses into the box ended good moves with non-existent challenges.

Dons ‘deadly finishing’ was numerically in front - half the efforts were off target and the rest so weak that they were no threat.

In an unusually below par performance Dons striker Connolly grabbed an 81st minute lead with a thunderous drive from a Neil Shipperley provided opening.

Goalkeeper Steve Banks was left flat-footed with surprise.

It will be disappointing for the goalkeeper who had a good game. Twice he got the better of Connolly in one-on-ones and twice he prevented Shipperley from scoring in the 59th minute.

Jermaine Darlington set up Shipperley's first effort that was deflected away and when the ball came back to him Banks moved quickly and Shipperley scooped the ball wide.

Stoke may of taken the lead in the 67th minute when the impressive Andy Cooke forced a brilliant reflex save from Kelvin Davis.

Davis had already beaten Cooke in a race to two earlier throughballs but he had no answer to the man who replaced him.

With three minutes left CityÂ’s James O'Connor moved deep into Dons territory and with defenders blocking his way he stopped, swivelled, and looked to of hit his cross short of the danger zone.

But Iwelumo got to the ball and lifted the ball into the roof of the net.

City will be grateful for the point but they are yet to win an away game in seven attempts.