View from Kingsmeadow, Volume Two: A Hit-And-Miss Week

It was a hit-and-miss week for the Wombles in the young Conference season.

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon continued their 2010-11 Football Conference National campaign with some more home cooking at Madame Cholet's Tea Bar and Kingsmeadow against Tamworth.

"Tuesday’s game against Histon panned out very much as I had expected, with a very resilient performance from a young Histon side," Brown said prior to Saturday's contest. "We knew that if we didn’t break them down early they would become more stubborn and more difficult to score against, and so it proved.

"I thought the performance was very good in the first half, but it became apparent as the game went on that we would need to freshen things up with young legs. I was delighted with all three substitutes who came on, particularly Rashid Yussuff, who injected real pace into the midfield."

Brown was pleased to see his players fit, and his depth realized.

"We have got through the week without any injuries, and I expect to put out the same side that has started the two previous games," Brown added. "There is real competition from those on the bench, and I have been really delighted with the performances from the substitutes who have come on and the impact they have made.

"As we go into a very busy period of four games in nine days, I am sure they will get their opportunity to make the starting line-up."

Tamworth were led to the Meadow of Kings like lambs to the slaughter as Wimbledon shut them out 3-0.

In the 38th minute, a strike from Sammy Moore from playmaker Danny Kedwell gave the Dons a 1-0 halftime lead. In the 60th minute, a shot from Jon Main was initially saved by Tamworth goalkeeper Ross Atkins, but Kedwell scored on the follow-through to make it 2-0 Wimbledon.

And in the 79th minute, Sam Hatton's free kick found the head of Kedwell to complete his brace and cement the third win of the season for the Wombles.

“Today we beat the best side we have played so far, who themselves played some good football in the first half," Brown said after the match. "There was lots to like about today’s performance, but it is very important that we concentrate on keeping our feet on the ground. We go to Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday in good heart, but know that they will be looking to bounce back after a series of disappointing results.

“Sam Hatton’s performance as an attacking right back was exemplary today. He won his tackles, won his headers and got forward whenever he could. Danny Kedwell also put in a great performance, scoring two goals and making the other. He is a winner, our captain and a very important member of the team. I thought the third goal was particularly satisfying, with a superb chip from Hatton and a great finish from Kedwell. It was also nice to have Sammy Moore score from midfield.

“I feel we have a great squad and again was pleased with the performances of the three substitutes. There is a lot of competition for places at the present time and with the number of games coming up in the near future they are all likely to get an opportunity to perform.”

They had the hit, now it was time for the miss.

AFC Wimbledon hit the road on Tuesday to Irthlingborough's Nene Park to face off against struggling Rushden & Diamonds F.C. Aside from Lee Minshull completing his three-game suspension from the season opener against Southport, the whole squad was available at Brown's disposal.

“Tonight’s visit to Rushden & Diamonds comes at a similar time to last year’s, when we played very well and secured a 1-0 victory," Brown said prior to Tuesday's contest. "A similar result tonight would be very pleasing. Rushden went on to make the play-offs last season, and I have no doubt that having kept most of last year’s team they will pose a considerable threat tonight, despite their slow start to this season.”

A second half goal by the Diamonds' Rene Howe in the 64th minute gave the Wombles their first defeat of the season to the tune of 1-0.

With the defeat, the Dons remain second on the table as Luton Town keep their hold on the Conference lead with their 1-1 draw to Newport County AFC.

AFC Wimbledon will look to get back to their winning ways as they travel to Priory Lane in Eastbourne to take on Eastbourne Borough. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET. They will then return home to host Newport on Monday. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET.