AFC Wimbledon vs Exeter City Match Recap - Dec 29, 2025

Exeter City Edges AFC Wimbledon in Tense Battle for Survival

Exeter City's narrow 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon not only secures three crucial points but also highlights the ongoing struggles of both teams in League One. The win propels Exeter to a slightly more comfortable position, while Wimbledon remains mired in inconsistency.

Exeter's Jayden Wareham continues to be a pivotal figure, scoring the decisive goal that underscores his importance to the team. With this goal, Wareham adds to his tally, reinforcing his status as the club's leading scorer with six goals this season. His ability to find the net has been a beacon of hope for a side that has often struggled to convert chances into goals. This match marks a continuation of his recent form, having scored in the previous fixture against Barnsley, where he netted one of three goals in a commanding performance.

AFC Wimbledon's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with only one win in their last five matches. Their inability to score has been glaring, with just three goals across those games. The team's reliance on Marcus Browne and Aron Sasu to create offensive opportunities has not yielded the desired results. Browne, who was instrumental in their EFL Trophy victory against Cardiff, has struggled to replicate that form in league play. This match further exemplifies Wimbledon's offensive woes, as they managed only three shots in total, with just one on target.

Exeter's defensive unit, led by Jack Fitzwater, has shown resilience despite recent struggles. The backline's organization was evident in this match, limiting Wimbledon's chances and maintaining composure under pressure. The statistics reflect this defensive solidity; Exeter recorded three saves compared to Wimbledon's two, showcasing their ability to handle the limited threats posed by the home side. This performance is a stark contrast to their earlier matches where defensive lapses cost them dearly.

Possession statistics reveal a closely contested midfield battle, with Exeter edging out Wimbledon 52% to 48%. Both teams exhibited similar pass accuracy at 79%, but Exeter's ability to complete more passes (267 to Wimbledon's 243) indicates a greater control over the game. This control allowed Exeter to dictate the pace and flow, ultimately leading to their goal. The midfield duo of Ethan Brierley and Jake Doyle Hayes played crucial roles in maintaining possession and transitioning play effectively.

Wimbledon's tactical setup under coach Johnnie Jackson aimed for a more aggressive approach with a 3-5-2 formation. However, this strategy failed to translate into meaningful chances. The lack of creativity in the final third was evident as they struggled to break down Exeter's organized defense. Their inability to capitalize on possession reflects a broader issue within the squad-an ongoing struggle to convert dominance into tangible results.

The match also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams in recent weeks. Exeter's victory comes on the heels of a disappointing loss against Cardiff, where they failed to score. This win serves as a much-needed confidence boost as they look to climb out of the relegation zone. Conversely, Wimbledon's inability to secure points at home raises questions about their mental fortitude and tactical effectiveness moving forward.

Looking ahead, AFC Wimbledon faces Leyton Orient next, where they must find a way to translate their possession into goals if they hope to avoid slipping further down the table. The pressure mounts as they seek to regain form and confidence after another disappointing result. Meanwhile, Exeter will host Luton, aiming to build on this victory and create momentum that could see them escape the relegation battle.

This match serves as a microcosm of both teams' seasons-Exeter's resilience shines through while Wimbledon's struggles continue unabated. The narrative of survival in League One remains ever-present, with each point becoming increasingly vital as the season progresses.