AFC Wimbledon’s incredible pitch transformation revealed as club play at home 20 days after massive sinkhole opened up
AFC Wimbledon returned to action in League One on their OWN pitch.
The Dons were in action against Carlisle – just 20 days after a SINKHOLE destroyed a part of their pitch.
Back in September, they were forced to postpone their Carabao Cup third round clash with Newcastle due to flooding.
Adverse weather conditions in the area caused “significant damage” to both the stadium itself and the pitch.
A sinkhole formed by the corner flag, prompting the fan-owned club to start a fundraiser to pay for the damage.
An area behind the stands where fans would usually congregate is also completely underwater.
But, there was no sign of damage as AFC Wimbledon returned to action against the Cumbrians.
And their efforts were rewarded with a thumping 4-0 win.
Ground staff had worked tirelessly to ensure the club could return to action.
Home matches against Accrington Stanley and Crewe Alexandra were also postponed, leaving AFC Wimbledon having to play catch up in the league.
Their match against Newcastle was switched to St James’ Park, where they lost 1-0.
Work began on the pitch the morning after the floods, with significant progress made in just a matter of hours.
Discussing the impact of the storm, a statement read: “Staff encountered significant flooding of the ground level of the stadium, affecting our offices, the shop and museum, reception areas, lifts, and tunnel area, as well as all concourse areas at ground level.
“This afternoon, several independent contractors have visited the site and conducted surface level investigations.
“More investigations are required in the coming days in order to plan for repair works to the pitch as a priority, and we are in regular contact with our insurers.
“We have overcome many setbacks by working together and this one will be no different.
“We genuinely appreciate all the messages of support and offers from volunteers and members to help us fix the damage.
“We ask for some patience whilst we complete our investigations and formulate our plans before getting to work.
“We will advise further what supporters can do to help us soon; thank you.”
AFC Wimbledon shared a before and after clip of the work on social media to their followers.
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It showed the first steps of the pitch being evened out to repair the huge sinkhole.
Wimbledon managed to raise over £100,000 for repairs by Wednesday afternoon.
Newcastle donated £15,000 following the match postponement.