cardiff city vs afc wimbledon: Bluebirds romp to 4-1 victory to stretch lead at League One summit
Matchday snapshot (Updated February 17, 2026 at 5: 02 PM ET): Cardiff City produced a polished display to beat AFC Wimbledon 4-1, preserving a four-point cushion at the top of League One and extending an unbeaten run to 12 matches.
Early control, Colwill opener and a late first-half leveller
The hosts dominated territory and tempo from the first whistle, piecing together several intricate passing moves that tested Wimbledon's defensive organisation. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Alex Robertson's low corner was met by Joe Colwill, who whipped a first-time strike into the near post to give the Bluebirds the lead. That opener was representative of Cardiff's fluent approach play and high energy across the pitch.
Wimbledon, resilient against the flow of the game, grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Substitute Matty Stevens, only on the field for nine minutes, met a delivery with an unmarked volley that levelled the scores heading into the break. The goal offered a reminder that the visitors would not be cowed, but it proved to be a brief interruption rather than a turning point.
Second-half blitz: Ng, Tanner and Kellyman wrap up a statement win
Any hope Wimbledon might have harboured of a comeback was extinguished almost immediately after the interval. Within three minutes of the restart Cardiff struck twice. Perry Ng powered a header in from an Ollie Tanner corner to restore the lead before setting up Tanner for the next goal. Tanner, who has been influential in recent weeks with a string of assists, showed composure to turn and finish clinically to make it 3-1.
Substitute Callum Robinson was the architect of the fourth, finding Omari Kellyman late on. Kellyman took a composed touch before rolling a confident shot into the bottom corner to cap a comprehensive team performance. Apart from a late header from Steve Seddon that struck the post, Wimbledon offered only sporadic threat as Cardiff maintained control for long spells.
Table consequences and momentum for both clubs
The victory keeps Cardiff four points clear at the top and moves them further away from the chasing pack outside the automatic promotion positions. The win also extends their unbeaten run to 12 matches, an encouraging sequence that includes eight victories in that stretch. Meanwhile, second-place Lincoln City kept the pressure on with their own result, but a draw for Bolton Wanderers left the third-placed side trailing by a wider margin.
For Wimbledon the defeat ends a brief resurgence and sees them slip to 16th in the table. The visitors had hoped to build on recent away form, where they had collected points, but they were ultimately outplayed by a side operating with greater cohesion and variety in the final third.
Key performers and tactical takeaways
Joe Colwill’s opener highlighted Cardiff’s set-piece threat and the benefit of rehearsed movement in the box. Perry Ng contributed at both ends of the pitch, scoring with authority and then showing the awareness to assist a team-mate soon after. Ollie Tanner’s influence continued, demonstrating why he has been central to the side’s creative output in recent weeks.
Wimbledon’s talismanic moments were fewer, though Matty Stevens’ equaliser showcased the importance of impact substitutes. Defensive lapses, however, and a struggle to sustain prolonged possession against an organised host were decisive factors in their defeat.
The result will give Cardiff a timely boost as the run-in approaches, reinforcing belief among players and supporters that automatic promotion is a realistic objective. Wimbledon will regroup, prioritising defensive solidity and consistency as they aim to climb the table in the weeks ahead.
