View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 14: Ebbsleet Stalemate Ends in Replay

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon were off from Football Conference National action once again to do a little 2010-11 FA Cup business as they hosted Ebbsfleet United in the First Round Proper.

“Saturday’s FA Cup encounter with Ebbsfleet gives us an opportunity to bounce back after our home defeat against Darlington last Saturday," Brown said earlier this week.

“The FA Cup has its own magic, and the boys have looked very sharp in training this week and are clearly up for the contest. The good news on the injury front is that both Brett Johnson and Lee Minshull have completed a successful week’s training. I will not be risking them at the weekend, but they should both be fit and available soon for a reserve team game.

“I don’t intend to make many changes for the game on Saturday after our recent successful run. In training this week we have obviously been working hard on breaking down resolute defences and teams who defend in depth.

“Ebbsfleet are on a fantastic run of 12 games undefeated and have an away record that would grace any team in the country. Added to that is the return of Calum Willock, Derek Duncan and last season’s captain, Paul Lorraine, and I expect all three of them are looking forward to coming back to Kingsmeadow.

"The prize for victory is not only financially important but would potentially offer us an opportunity to pit our wits against a Football League side.

“We hope to emulate Mark Robinson’s Under-18 side, who have already progressed to the second round of their FA competition with their fine away victory at Dartford. This has given them the chance to play one of my old teams, Aldershot Town, in what will be an exciting encounter.

“I am sure there will be a fantastic cup atmosphere on Saturday, and I hope to see as many Dons fans at Kingsmeadow as possible.”

Johnson and Minshull looked close to ready for action later in the week.

"The team trained well today and look good for tomorrow's important FA Cup game," Brown said. "Lee and Brett are looking better every day and the only frustration is that we don't have a reserve team game soon to give them a run out.

"With most of the squad fit we've decided to agree to Lewes taking Reece Jones on loan for a month. Reece is a fantastic prospect and has done very well for the Wales under 19s but he needs more game time, so a loan is the right thing for him at the moment.

"We won't be making many changes for tomorrow. This is a very important game and we want to win it and be in the draw at 2.00 pm on Sunday. But it will be tough - our scout's report on Ebbsfleet's win at St Albans said they look a very strong team, so we know we are in for a tough game. Hopefully a big and noisy FA Cup crowd will get behind us and will us on to victory."

But there would be no victory. Both the Fleet and the Dons, who both were issued a red card each, played to a scoreless draw. A replay will be played on Nov. 16 at Stonebridge Road in Gravesend, Kent.

Two games will be on hand this Week for the Dons, who resume Football Conference National play away from Kingsmeadow.

On Tuesday, Wimbledon travels to Moss Lane to face the Robins of Altrincham F.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. ET.

The Dons will then travel to Holker Stadium in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria to take on the Bluebirds of Barrow A.F.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET.