30 September 2023

Ali Al-Hamadi stars as Wimbledon beat Tranmere and move into play-off places

30 September 2023

Ali Al-Hamadi bagged a hat-trick as AFC Wimbledon earned their first home win of the Sky Bet League Two season, fighting back to beat Tranmere 4-1.

Connor Jennings’ early opener was cancelled out by Armani Little, before three from Al-Hamadi tied up the points for the hosts, moving them into the play-off positions.

A well-worked corner handed the visitors the lead inside four minutes, with Jennings pouncing at the far post to fire into the roof of the net.

The game soon turned on its head, however, and after Little’s deflected effort brought parity, Al-Hamadi slotted home in the 32nd minute to give the Dons the advantage going into the interval.

Tranmere’s Jordan Turnbull saw red for a reckless challenge eight minutes after the break, before Al-Hamadi doubled his tally to compound the visitors’ woes.

The Iraqi international completed his hat-trick two minutes from time, shooting into the far corner to secure the win for Johnnie Jackson’s side and keep Tranmere in the bottom two.

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