FC Halifax Town 1-3 AFC Wimbledon: League One side ease into FA Cup third round

AFC Wimbledon eased into the third round of the FA Cup for the third successive season with victory at non-league Halifax.

The National League side edged much of a scrappy first half and were inches away from taking the lead when Matty Kosylo saw his measured strike come back off the post at the end of a brilliant solo run from inside his own half.

Cameron King also went close for the Shaymen, but Dons keeper Joe McDonnell saved the midfielder's low drive with his feet.

But the League One side took the lead moments before half-time when Ben Purrington's drive from 18 yards deflected into the net after Halifax failed to clear a right-wing cross.

Anthony Wordsworth beat his man on the edge of the box to curl in a brilliant second.

Joe Pigott ensured the Dons' progress when he fired home from 10 yards after Halifax failed to clear a free-kick.

Halifax pulled one back when Wimbledon striker James Hanson headed Niall Maher's shot into his own net but the visitors held on.