Wimbledon opened the half by making a change at the break, Ryan Johnson replaced by Junior Nkeng.
Hackett picked up a booking early in the half for a needless pull back in midfield as the game became increasingly scrappy.
Wimbledon had a good chance on 55 minutes when City failed to clear their lines and the ball dropped kindly in the box, but the effort was scooped over the bar. Nkeng then tried his luck from distance shortly after coming on, but his effort from outside the area was well over the bar.
City continued to look for set piece opportunities, a free kick was whipped to the back post just before the hour but was deflected behind.
From another free kick on the hour, Hackett delivered and Street headed over, which proved to be his final involvement as Ryan Oné replaced him moments later.
Hackford was booked for an elbow in an aerial challenge with Bradley, and shortly after City had a big penalty shout when Towler controlled a bouncing ball in the box, turned and appeared to be dragged down, but nothing was given.
Both sides made further changes as the half wore on, with Hackford replaced by Foyo and Bayliss making way for Varfolomeev. The game was scrappy, wind-affected, but an organised Wimbledon side looked likely to get a point.
City had a half chance when the ball dropped to Hamer at the back post, but it was slightly ahead of him and he could not bring it under control to shoot. City couldn’t test the keeper properly, and the Wombles certainly had the measure of the Imps.
Bishop was booked for timewasting as the game edged towards the final stages, much to the joy of home supporters.
Wimbledon really should have taken the lead on 77 minutes, a ball into the box fell loose and Nelson blazed over from around eight yards with the goal at his mercy. It was a great chance, but one he just couldn’t take.
Nkeng then produced a strong run into the area, beating a couple of players before his shot was deflected behind for a corner as City began to struggle.
City made a triple change with Lloyd, Elerewe and Jefferies coming on for House, Darikwa and Hackett.
City’s best chance came from a Hamer long throw when the ball dropped to Bradley around six yards out, but he fired over the bar.
Nelson was then replaced by Kai Jennings as Wimbledon made another change late on.
City finally broke through in the 88th minute, a cross into the box caused confusion and the ball was eventually bundled home by Ryan Oné to give City the lead. There was a hint of handball, but the relief was obvious as the home side snatched three points that were barely warranted.
In stoppage time, Lloyd battled to feed Oné again, but his shot was tame, and Wimbledon finished the game with pressure and a corner deep into added time. They never gave up and were a credit to their travelling faithful.
Stockport and Bolton both won, meaning promotion could now be decided in the next match against Reading.
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