Jason McCarthy scored his first career goal as Wycombe Wanderers drew 1-1 against AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow in League Two.

Adebayo Azeez scored in the 90th minute to snatch a point at the close after Matt Ingram had weakly palmed the ball into the centre of the box while under pressure.

The late goal meant that Wycombe missed the chance to move above the Dons in the league heading into their match at Yeovil on Tuesday night.

In a much changed Wycombe line-up Matt Bloomfield was filling in for the injured Marcus Bean and had an early attempt on goal as he turned and shot from long range.

The midfielder, who has struggled for game time in recent weeks, was off balance though and his shot went harmlessly over the bar.

With the two sides separated by just a point in the league heading into the match there was little to choose between them in the early stages.

Ingram was called into action inside 10 minutes as he came out well to smother a Sean Rigg cross after the winger had produced a fine run to reach the by-line.

Luke O’Nien, who was also celebrating his 21st birthday, showed great strength to retain possession in midfield and drove forward dangerously.

His strike was tame though and was comfortably dealt with by the Wimbledon keeper.

Moments later a well worked corner saw the home side go closest to breaking the deadlock after 15 minutes.

A cross which was pulled back to the edge of the box broke to Lyle Taylor whose powerful volley went just over the bar.

There was a fast pace about the opening exchanges and Wimbledon goalkeeper Ben Wilson almost gifted the visitors an opener.

He found himself on the edge of his area and after initially dealing with the danger well made an awful clearance.

O’Nien hit the loose ball first time from inside the centre circle but sent his shot over the unguarded net.

He was involved again in the 22nd minute as he caught a Wimbledon defender with a stray elbow.

The challenge drew a furious reaction from the crowd in a feisty atmosphere that often threatened to boil over but O’Nien was reckless rather than malicious.

The midfielder was the Chairboys’ main threat and again he showed attacking intent as he picked the ball up in the 32nd minute and drove a shot just wide from distance.

With 10 minutes remaining in the half Sam Wood had a decent attempt form a free kick 25 yards from goal.

It was heading towards the top corner but lacked any real pace and was comfortably dealt with.

It was the last meaningful action of an evenly contested half that was more of a physical battle than an exhibition of attacking quality.

The second half started with Garry Thompson, who was largely ineffectual throughout the 90 minutes, lashing wide from 20 yards out.

McCarthy scored his landmark goal as he dived in to force the ball over the line from close range five minutes into the second half.

AFC failed to deal with a long free kick and the defender showed bravery to ensure he got to the ball ahead of the scattered Wimbledon defenders.

The 20-year-old ran half the length of the pitch to celebrate with first Gareth Ainsworth and then members of the travelling Wycombe fans.

It was a brilliant way to cap his new loan deal with the club that will keep him at Adams Park until January.

Wanderers settled into defending their lead for the closing stages and with 23 minutes to play Aaron Pierre produced a brave header to deny Tom Elliot a chance at goal.

The centre-back took a knock to the head for his troubles but was able to play on in what was a largely solid defensive showing.

He and the returning Anthony Stewart were reliable throughout and will have given Ainsworth food for thought on his future selection.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway added some much needed energy to the Blues’ attack and earned a free kick after a strong run after coming off the bench.

Wycombe were unable to retain possession but although they could not get out of their own half Wimbledon caused few genuine problems before scoring their goal.

Azeez’s strike came as the game ticked into injury time when Matt Ingram failed to claim a loose ball under pressure and the forward volleyed home from close range.

Ingram and many members of the Wycombe team felt the keeper had been fouled by Tom Elliot who seemed to back into him but were unsuccessful in their appeals.

It was a bitter blow for Wycombe as they had kept their opponents at bay for nearly the entirety of the match and had not conceded any genuine chances.

It could have got worse as Wimbledon had a decent shout for a penalty turned down in the final minute as Tom Elliot had gone down while being held.

The point represents Wycombe’s fourth game in a row without a defeat and they are currently three points outside the play-off places in 11th.

Wycombe Wanderers: Ingram; McCarthy, Pierre, Stewart, Jombati, Harriman, O’Nien, Bloomfield, Wood, Thompson, Hayes (83 Amadi-Holloway)

Subs not used: Richardson; Banton, Sellers, Kretzschmar, Rowe

Wimbledon: Wilson; Fuller, Robinson, Osborne, Meades, Bulman, Toonga (62 Kennedy), Rigg (62 Azeez), Francomb, Taylor, Akinfenwa (Elliot 62)

Subs not used: McDonnell; Beere, Sweeney, Kaja

Bookings: O’Nien (22 accidental elbow), Taylor (78 foul off the ball on O’Nien

Referee: Phil Gibbs), Stewart (87 push on Kennedy)

Attendance: 4482 (Wanderers 749)