Alistair Smith's superb first-half strike inspired AFC Wimbledon to a 1-0 win over Blackpool at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Blackpool, who revealed a sickness bug had affected their squad ahead of kick-off, nearly took an early lead but Dale Taylor's shot from the centre of the penalty area was blocked.

Dons goalkeeper Nathan Bishop produced an excellent save in the 11th minute, stopping Hayden Coulson's goal-bound header from finding the bottom corner.

Smith then fired a thunderous shot from outside the box into the top-left corner from the resulting break to give his side a 13th-minute lead.

CJ Hamilton's header at the far post was deflected behind for a corner as the Seasiders pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

The Dons should have secured all three points in the 80th minute when Albie Morgan played a woeful pass that put Jayden Stockley through on goal but the striker lost possession after a poor first touch.

Morgan forced another brilliant Bishop save as the game drew to a close, and there was a chaotic goalmouth scramble in stoppage time, but the Dons held on to secure victory.

Emotions boiled over after the full-time whistle blew, with Stockley being shown a red card for a second bookable offence as the two teams clashed.