Town are still waiting for their first win of the season after AFC Wimbledon scored deep in injury time to come from two goals behind to claim a 2-2 draw at Portman Road. Joe Pigott, who joined Town after leaving the Dons in the summer, put the Blues in front from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Wes Burns had been fouled, then Burns made it 2-0 two minutes later, before Ben Heneghan pulled one back for the visitors on 58. Town looked on their way to their first win of the campaign until Jack Rudoni scored a second for the Dons five minutes into injury time.

Pigott returned to the Blues’ XI against his old club with Macauley Bonne missing from the squad having picked up a knock.

Town were otherwise unchanged from last week’s 2-2 home draw with MK Dons, while Sone Aluko was among the subs in the league for the first time having returned from injury.

There was no place for Armando Dobra on the bench with the Albanian U21 international looking set to go out on loan earlier this week with Colchester showing strong interest.

Heavy rain before kick-off had subsided prior to the players from both teams taking a knee mainly to applause but also muted some boos.

Town began the game on the front foot and in the fourth minute Scott Fraser shot at goal from just outside the area but without overly testing Wombles number one Nik Tzanev.

Wimbledon started to come into the game more as the quarter-hour approached with the Blues clearing somewhat aimlessly on occasion and on others were caught in possession trying to overplay out from the back.

On 16 Dons skipper Alex Woodyard was booked for a foul on Pigott, who had been booed by his old fans from his first touch.

Town quickly regained full control with dangerous low crosses from the right from Kane Vincent-Young and Burns both failing to find team-mate in the box, while Rekeem Harper shot into keeper Tzanev’s midriff from distance.

In the 22nd minute, Vincent-Young tricked his way past a couple of Wimbledon defenders on the right of the box before teeing-up Pigott, whose shot pole-axed Dons striker Ollie Palmer, who required attention before continuing.

Two minutes later, Coulson did well to dispossess Palmer as the striker worked his way into the area with the Blues not for the first time looking troubled when run at by Wimbledon attackers.

Town continued to dominate but with the Dons presenting a threat on the counter. On 31 Henry Lawrence crossed from the right and Aaron Pressley diverted it well over when under pressure from Cameron Burgess. It looked a very decent opportunity.

Four minutes later, Palmer headed an Anthony Hartigan corner from the left against Blues skipper Lee Evans and on to the roof of Vaclav Hladky’s net.

From a subsequent Wimbledon flag-kick, the Blues broke quickly. Pigott sent Burns away down the right, the Welshman cut inside to Fraser, who turned it on to Harper, whose shot from the edge of the box deflected over off a defender.

Town continued to dominate but without being able to create a really clear-cut opportunity. On 42 Kyle Edwards, who had had another lively half down the left, shot towards goal from a central area not far outside the area but Tzanev was able to claim down to his right.

Moments before the fourth official indicated an additional one minute, Hartigan became the second Dons player to be shown a yellow card after pulling back Edwards.

Just before referee David Rock ended an entertaining half, Evans shot high and wide from 40 yards after latching on to a Tzanev clearance with the keeper well out of his goal.

The Blues had been on top for the vast majority of the half playing some good stuff at times, but without creating much in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

At the other end, Town hadn’t always looked comfortable with Wimbledon a threat on the break, indeed Pressley’s chance was probably the best of the half.

Hayden Coulson, who had enjoyed an impressive first 45 minutes, struck Town’s first effort of the second period, cutting inside before hitting a right-foot effort which flew well wide.

The early minutes of the second half followed the same pattern as the first and in the 52nd minute the Blues were awarded a penalty.

Burns was fed in on the right of the box and touched it beyond Will Nightingale, who pulled him back. Referee Rock pointed straight to the spot and booked Nightingale.

Former Dons striker Pigott stepped up and calmly stroked the ball to Tzanev’s left as the keeper dived to his right for his second goal in a Town shirt.

Two minutes later, the Blues were two in front. Again the ball was played in front of Burns on the right of the box by Vincent-Young and this time the Welshman smashed a shot across Tzanev and into the corner of the net for his first goal for Town.

However, the two-goal lead last only four minutes. Edwards fouled Lawrence to the right of the box, Hartigan sent the free-kick into the area, it flicked off Pigott’s head and Heneghan nodded across Hladky and into the corner of the net.

Heneghan wasn’t too far away from a second in the 63rd minute when allowed a free header from a corner from the right but this time his effort was straight against Pigott.

Wimbledon, who had swapped Pressley for Mebude just after the hour mark, made a double change on 70 with Rudoni and Nesta Guinness-Walker replacing Luke McCormick and Cheye Alexander.

Town started to look more in control and more threatening, but on 74 their defensive frailties were in evidence again when Palmer was allowed to bring an overhit Rudoni cross from the right in from the other flank before hitting a shot which Hladky palmed behind for a corner.

The Blues’ second goalscorer Burns was forced off in the 77th minute having taken a knock. Janoi Donacien, who made a quick dash down the tunnel, presumably to get his shirt, came on in his place a minute later with Vincent-Young then swapped for Aluko, who was making his Town league debut.

Two minutes later, Hladky was booked for stealing five or so yards as he prepared to take a free-kick.

Town continued to have jittery moments at the back as the Dons pushed for an equaliser, while the home crowd got behind their team.

On 87 Coulson was warmly applauded off after a very impressive performance at left-back with Matt Penney taking over.

Two minutes later, Harper was teed-up on the edge of the box following a Town break but slipped as he shot and the ball flew well over.

Town had only a minute of additional time to see out when the Wombles levelled. From a corner on the right, Heneghan’s header was saved by Hladky, but the Czech keeper couldn’t hold on and Rudoni slammed into the net from close range.

There was no time left for the Blues to hit back and for the third home league match out of three this season Town had to be content with a 2-2 draw. At the whistles boos briefly rang out, as they had done after last week’s game against MK Dons had ended in the same scoreline.

Once again, the game was all but won with the Blues’ defensive vulnerabilities again losing them two points.

The Blues are now 21st with a trip to Wycombe, who were beaten 3-1 at Sunderland today, scheduled for next week but potentially set to be postponed due to international calls for the Chairboys.

Town: Hladky, Vincent-Young (Aluko 78), Woolfenden, Burgess, Coulson (Penney 87), Harper, Evans (c), Burns (Donacien 78), Fraser, Edwards, Pigott. Unused: Holy, Carroll, Barry, Jackson.

AFC Wimbledon: Tzanev, Lawrence, Woodyard (c), Nightingale, Alexander (Guinness-Walker 70), Hartigan, Palmer, Assal, Pressley (Mebude 61), McCormick (Rudoni 70), Heneghan. Unused: Oualah, Marsh, Chislett, Kalambayi. Referee: David Rock (Hertfordshire). Att: 19,051 (AFC Wimbledon: 611).

Photo: Matchday Images

GiveusaWave added 23:42 - Aug 28 Thankfully we still have time to turn this ship in the right direction. I had reasonably low expectations for us this season (as it is a rebuilding season)..but have to admit some of our defending to date has been completely farcical. Some of the new signings have been good (Bonne, Coulson and Edwards look really good on and off the ball)...some have been indifferent (no difference to what we had) whilst a couple have been really poor. It is easy to look back at decisions in hindsight but why on earth did we release our player of the season (Wilson) who was also a commanding centre-back? Did we have a new signing in mind to replace him that never materialised? It shows how poor this league is that there are still teams below us at this point. A few comments about relegation (across social media). No chance of that...we have some good flair players and we are still only 3rd from bottom even after this terrible start. We should have won this game easily...just some comical defensive stuff again.

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GiveusaWave added 23:46 - Aug 28 Just on the stats front...we have conceded more goals than any other team in this division. And this is division 3! New signings needed immediately....GK and CD.
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Daniel72 added 00:21 - Aug 29 Oh dear... shame if Armando goes out but at least if it's Colchester or the fabulous Os he stays local... bring on 2022.
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KiwiBlue2 added 01:43 - Aug 29 While the start has been disappointing, I do think that once we tidy up the defense we will get on a run and move up the table. Consistency of high performance is going to be a key requirement this season in a league where anyone can beat anyone else as shown by Morecombe and Oxford in this latest round. While I think that moving Wilson on was foolish (at this level) hopefully Edmundsen can make a difference... coyb

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arablue added 04:31 - Aug 29 Agreed Kiwi. If we can resolve the defence, then I think we have a good chance of turning things around. And it is not just the defenders, but how we defend as a team; we let in 2 goals through set pieces. I also thought the centre mid is a bit soft today. Lost a few 50-50s - Evans and Harper were not dominant and left the defence exposed.
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shakytown added 06:12 - Aug 29 At least its not boring. Last season we went whole games without a shot on goal. Give them time to get confident with each other and the defensive end will improve and we will rise up the table. The signs are there we just need wait for the good times and support the boys through these tough times.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:24 - Aug 29 Football never goes totally to plan and individual results can be surprising. Who would have predicted Morecambe would beat Wednesday, for example? But to be one of only three clubs without a win in L1 after five games is beginning to look like a worrying trend.
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Kirbmeister added 09:00 - Aug 29 Reminds me a bit of when Hurst took over. We bought a load of lower league played we'd never heard of and who had been playing well In good sides, threw them all together and it turned out most weren't that great after all. Only thing we can do is give it time but it was totally unrealistic to think we would go up the first season. Why we were made favourites god knows.

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dirtydingusmagee added 09:00 - Aug 29 at the end of ten game period we could actually be bottom of lge 1 , we have tougher games coming up ,not great is it. We were being called cheque book FC, NOW we are the joke of the Lge. Bloody hope this run of crap results has come to an end, this season of hope is fast becoming a season of no hope,and a further season in this crap lge.
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EricGatesShinpad added 09:11 - Aug 29 So okay, I accept the league position is not great but yesterday was another step forward. I attended yesterday with 'der kinder' for the first time in years.... What a great day out! The football is hugely more entertaining, the ground is improving and the crowd were really starting to rock ! We are not far off giving someone a real hoofing. A couple of points , we get their players on yellow cards,and then seem to step away; surely that is the time to really put the pressure on. Alot of L1 players can't cope with pace or skill so we should be playing 9 or 10 men teams with the players we have..... Carroll for me running the show in the middle .... Anyway, onwards and upwards!

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Irishblueboy99 added 09:23 - Aug 29 A reliable goalkeeper please and also at the moment dont seem to have any real stand out leader on the pitch a defensive midfielder and ball winner to protect the defence and break up attacks. Hard to find one, a rate species but hopefully can get one before Tuesday 🙏. I think we had one in downes if cook new how to balance a team, 4/5 attacking footballing midfielders leaves gaps and doesn't work. You build a team from the back not the front.

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bernie added 10:06 - Aug 29 Coulson man of the match by a mile !! Getting fed up with the same old spill from cook and all this been in football for a long time stuff and fans moaning at other fans because we're getting on the team backs to soon . Let's put things into perspective midfield is not good enough end of , Evans looks a poor addition, slow and lacks fitness and passing is sideways most of the time and the occasional decent pass but no where enough compared to what we did have , very poor would rather have scuse and not kidding , honestly midfield is a mess . Now onto the goalie, poor again he might be a good shot stopper but not good at coming for crosses,or organising defence or walls at free kicks , very poor choice of goalie couldn't of done any homework on him !! I think defence will get better but not with him in goal , harsh but true . Now KVY not strong enough, Fraser again not strong enough and can't see what cook see in him . Now on to the strikers think we should be ok here but must sort the problems we have in midfield first and formation. Edwards I like . Now on to mr cook, is he good enough to be our manager ?? and yes heard on about what he's done at Wigan and Portsmouth but no disrespect to those clubs this is a bigger job , looks chaos on the touch line at times , and have stated to think it's a to bigger job for him . Hopefully the thing we have got right is the owners and people in charge of the club and we're come good in time but not sure with cook in charge , yes he needs more time but how much more time ? This is serious stuff not something you keep making jokes about .

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Elizabeth added 10:12 - Aug 29 Clearly not up to the job .. we desperately need someone who can make changes that would secure a win .. early days , but how long will he be given ? Defence is a shambles .. I bet Luke Chambers is laughing to himself .. worse since he's been gone .. depressing time to be a Town fan ..
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Monkey_Blue added 10:15 - Aug 29 KiwiBlue2 Good point regarding Morecambe… a team who has signed 15 players before they met us!! They appear to have “gelled”. Cook has had EVERY advantage as a new boss. He took over a side in good form fighting for promotion, most managers come into a club when they've had terrible results and are struggling at the bottom end of the table. He said our players weren't fit enough so was given a host of new experts in fitness and performance, yet we seem to run out of gas after an hour. Especially Harper and Evans who've had a full Pre-season and started all 5 league games. We also are still picking up regularly, muscle injuries. He's been given free reign to sign and dispose of any players he wanted pretty much, many managers like Lambert for example come into a club and have very little transfer market freedom. He has for some reason got a large chunk of fans to want to wipe out last season entirely. He was handed a pretty easy relatively, first 5 games of the season( 6 if you count Newport at home) and we've not won a game. Sometimes clubs are not patient, we've always except for Hurst been pretty patient….I don't like trigger happy club boards but you have to consider when will it be too late to pull it? Results are worse under Cook despite us supposedly having better players and him being supposedly a far superior manager to lambert. 4 in 22 when in all of those games he had players proven at this level or higher is shocking. The clock is ticking as he's the common denominator between last seasons nosedive and this seasons failure to take off.

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Orraman added 11:06 - Aug 29 Another comedy of errors when Cook decided to put Janoi Donacien on as a sub. JD had to run back to dressing room to get a shirt while Wes Burns tried to delay the changeover. Now while I agree subs don't actually need to wear the shirt under their benchwear they should at least have it with them. Isn't it the duty of the kit man to check that all players are ready to go when needed.

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BlueInBerks added 11:22 - Aug 29 Yes, hugely disappointing result but some are starting to stand up and be counted, which has been Cook's intention all along. With those still to come back from injury, still feeling positive. Last season we had no one that could finish like Burns did BTW
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runaround added 12:21 - Aug 29 Massively disappointing result and incredibly frustrating how we threw 2 points away at the death. AFCW offered very little and we were hardly being peppered by shots so devastated to concede so easily from set pieces but I'm sure I was far from the only ITFC fan at the ground yesterday that was expecting the goals as soon as the free kick and corner were conceded. Players don't seem fully fit yet but that will come however main issue is a lack of organisation when we are defending. The lack of a victory is now a mental block but only the players on the pitch can sort that. There is no reason why they can't but they need to do it very soon

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Razor added 11:59 - Aug 30 Can somebody explain to me why we signed Aluko and how he got on pitch ahead of Carroll and Barry? Spoke with Barrys dad Sat night and the young lad is gutted at not getting game time----and so he should be!!
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