AFC Wimbledon return home as Dons play first ever match at Plough Lane with cardboard fans present for 2-2 draw with Doncaster

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Having been through the worst of times, it was the best of times for AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.

The Dons, 18 years after being founded by Wimbledon supporters in response to the decision to allow the club to move to Milton Keynes, finally returned home.

Plough Lane – Wimbledon’s spiritual home – is once again the Dons’ actual homeGetty Images - Getty

Some supporters flocked to Plough Lane just to be near the stadium, even though they could not get inGetty Images - Getty

Joe Pigott scored the first goal at Plough Lane to fire Wimbledon into a 1-0 leadGetty Images - Getty

And he was mobbed by his teammates after scoring the historic goalGetty Images - Getty

There is a new stadium at Plough Lane, home to Wimbledon between 1912 and 1991, and the Dons christened the ground with the League One visit of Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.

And even a disappointing draw – with Doncaster securing the 2-2 result in second-half injury time – could not take away from the momentous occasion.

Unfortunately, what should have been an incredible moment for the loyal Dons supporters was affected by coronavirus.

Fans are still banned from stadiums so the only people present at Plough Lane were the players, media – and plenty of cardboard cut-outs filling up the 9,300-seater arena.

Supporters are banned from stadiums right now, but a select group will go down in history for having their cardboard cut-outs at the Plough Lane homecomingGetty Images - Getty

Flags adorned the sides of the Plough Lane terracesGetty Images - Getty

This will be some stadium once the fans are allowed back inGetty Images - Getty

But there were flags aplenty – ‘We are Wimbledon’, ‘Back to Plough Lane’ – and a tantalising taste of what this new Plough Lane will be like when supporters are back in their numbers, cheering on their beloved team from their historic home.