AFC Wimbledon advanced to the second round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday afternoon after a dramatic 1-1 draw with League Two side Newport County at Plough Lane, followed by a 5-4 victory on penalties. Substitute Callum Maycock's strike deep into stoppage time forced the shootout, where goalkeeper Nathan Bishop's crucial save and Steve Seddon's decisive kick sealed the win for the League One hosts.
The first half passed without a goal as both teams struggled to create clear chances. Newport grew into the contest after the interval and looked the more threatening side, forcing a series of corners and testing Bishop, who blocked an effort from Lee Jenkins. Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson turned to his bench in search of a spark, introducing new signing Jayden Stockley, Steven Sessegnon and Maycock.
Stockley's first involvement proved costly when he conceded a penalty. Bishop, however, responded superbly, diving to keep out Shaquille Gwengwe's spot-kick with his feet. Newport refused to be denied and took the lead in the 71st minute through Yahya Bamba, who curled a stunning effort from outside the box beyond the reach of the Wimbledon goalkeeper. The visitors appeared set for an upset as the clock ticked down.
Wimbledon finally applied sustained pressure in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Nick Wright produced a fine save to deny Maycock, but the substitute would not be denied. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Maycock volleyed home from close range to level the scores at 1-1 and send the Plough Lane crowd into celebration. The late equaliser forced a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Bishop once again proved decisive, saving Matt Smith's effort. Wimbledon converted all five of their penalties, with Seddon stepping up to score the winner and send the Dons through. The result provided an early boost for Jackson's side as they prepare for the start of their League One campaign.
Reflecting on the performance afterwards, Jackson admitted his team had not been at their best but praised their character. "We were hoping that something would fall to us – it fell to Maycock’s feet and he took the goal really well," he said. "We didn’t play well particularly, but we showed some character. The most positive for me are the players who came on."
The victory marked a positive opening to the 2026/27 season for AFC Wimbledon following a mixed pre-season. The Dons had suffered a 3-2 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in their final friendly the previous weekend, though individual performances offered encouragement. New arrivals including Stockley, who joined on a free transfer from Port Vale earlier in the week, were given opportunities to integrate.
Newport, under newly appointed manager Hayden Mullins in only his eighth day in charge, left south-west London with mixed feelings. The League Two side had performed well and led for much of the second half, yet ultimately exited the competition. Mullins expressed pride in his players' display despite the disappointment of the shootout defeat.
Attention now turns to Wimbledon's League One opener away to Huddersfield Town next Saturday. Jackson will hope the resilience shown against Newport can be carried into the league campaign as the Dons look to build on last season's mid-table finish. For the supporters who filled Plough Lane, the late drama and successful shootout provided an early reminder of the never-say-die spirit that has long defined the club.
Maycock's intervention and the collective response under pressure offered further evidence of squad depth. With the Carabao Cup campaign extended, AFC Wimbledon can approach the coming weeks with growing confidence after a hard-earned progression on the opening weekend of the new season.