AFC Wimbledon 0 Southend 2: Nile Ranger and Simon Cox strike for visitors as Dons remain 13th

Wimbledon were unable to check Southend’s playoff push as goals from Nile Ranger and Simon Cox secured a 2-0 win for the Shrimpers at Kingsmeadow.

Whilst Wimbledon remain in 13th place in the League One table, nine points clear of relegation but with a push for the top six beyond them in their final seven games, Southend stretched their advantage over seventh-placed Millwall to three points, though the Lions have a game in hand.

Wimbledon had their share of chances in a cagey first 35 minutes, Andy Barcham shooting wide after a flick-on from Tom Elliot, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring as Ranger found space in the Dons’ box to shoot past James Shea.

A powerful shot from former Swindon and Reading striker Cox put the visitors in control on 64 minutes and Wimbledon were unable to rally back, with Adam Thompson blocking Tyrone Barnett’s late shot to deny the 31-year-old striker a consolation goal against his former club.