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Taylor Allen's free-kick secures a draw for top-ranked Walsall

Taylor Allen's free-kick secures a draw for top-ranked Walsall

Taylor Allen scored a late free-kick to secure a draw for struggling League Two leaders Walsall against promotion contenders AFC Wimbledon.

The Walsall defender found the net from 20 yards, marking his eighth goal of the season and equalizing Omar Bugiel's first goal in four months.

The draw maintains Walsall's one-point lead at the top of the table but extends their winless streak to seven matches. AFC Wimbledon, on the other hand, falls to fifth place, trailing the top three by two points.

In a cautious first half, the best opportunity fell to Wimbledon when Alistair Smith set up Marcus Browne for a shot, but Walsall goalkeeper Sam Hornby made a crucial save.

After the break, Browne missed a good chance for Wimbledon, while Walsall came close through Charlie Lakin's header saved by Owen Goodman.

Wimbledon took the lead in the 70th minute with Bugiel's goal from 18 yards after Hornby initially denied Smith.

Hornby made important saves, including one from Smith's long-range effort, to keep Walsall in the game. In the closing minutes, Allen's strike into the bottom corner secured the equalizer.