DONCASTER, England (Interstat) — Substitute Owen Bailey scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Doncaster Rovers stunned AFC Wimbledon 1-0 in a contentious League One match at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday.

The match, which saw a player sent off and five others booked, was decided in the ninth minute of added time. Bailey, who had entered the game as a second-half substitute, finished from close range to secure a vital away victory for Doncaster. The goal was assisted by fellow substitute Robbie Gotts, who had also been shown a yellow card earlier in the half.

The decisive play originated from a free kick. Doncaster defender Steve Seddon delivered the ball into the penalty area, where midfielder Jake Reeves headed it across the face of the goal. Bailey was positioned to tap it in, sending the visiting supporters into delirium and silencing the home crowd in Merton.

The match’s tense conclusion was foreshadowed by a flurry of disciplinary actions in the second half. Doncaster’s Jack Senior received the first yellow card in the 56th minute. AFC Wimbledon’s Steve Seddon was booked in the 66th, followed by Doncaster’s Joe Lewis in the 72nd and Robbie Gotts in the 73rd. Jake Reeves of Doncaster saw yellow in the 85th minute.

The game’s major turning point came in the 90th minute when Doncaster’s Joe Lewis, already on a yellow card, was shown a red, forcing his side to finish the match with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Doncaster found the winning goal in the ensuing, extended stoppage time.

The result marked a reversal of the earlier meeting this season, when AFC Wimbledon won 2-1 at Doncaster on Sept. 20, 2025. It also defied pre-match projections. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw, and its ELO rating system gave AFC Wimbledon a 73.30 percent probability of victory.

The win provides a significant boost for Doncaster’s League One campaign. They now hold a record of 6 wins, 13 losses and 5 draws in the competition, moving them away from the relegation zone. Across all competitions, they are 11-14-5.

For AFC Wimbledon, the loss is a missed opportunity at home. Their League One record shifts to 9 wins, 12 losses and 5 draws. Their overall record across all tournaments is 11 wins, 16 losses and 5 draws.

Doncaster will look to build on this result when they host Wigan Athletic next Saturday. AFC Wimbledon, seeking to rebound, will travel to face Rotherham United on the same day.