Matty Stevens took his League Two goal tally to 15 for the season as AFC Wimbledon defeated promotion rivals Crewe 3-0 at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

After Crewe defender Jamie Knight-Lebel was sent off with the score at 0-0, Stevens struck either side of Jake Reeves’ effort to take the Dons up to fourth, one point off the automatic-promotion places with a game in hand.

The Railwaymen appeared to be on the ascendency after a quiet opening 40 minutes, with Matus Holicek forcing a crucial block from Isaac Ogundere.

However, the match turned on its head when Omar Bugiel was fouled inside the Crewe penalty area by Knight-Lebel.

Knight-Lebel was shown a red card before Stevens stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

It was 2-0 in first-half stoppage time when Reeves, whose cross had been instrumental to the Dons winning their penalty, placed a shot into the bottom left corner after some nice link-up play with Bugiel.

Stevens scored his second 10 minutes into the second half when he stroked the ball into the top right corner having been put through on goal by Alistair Smith.

The Dons pushed for a fourth, with Stevens and Smith both firing over the crossbar.