View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 16: The Beat Goes On As Sammy Leads the Way

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon, after knowing of Milton Keynes Dons' first-round exit, fancied their chances of progressing to the next round of the 2010-11 FA Cup ahead of their first-round replay with Ebbsfleet United on Thursday, Nov. 18.

"Mixed reaction amongst the players this morning on the news that we will be playing Stevenage should we be fortunate enough to beat Ebbsfleet tomorrow night," Brown said earlier this week. "But it won't matter who won last night if we don't get through, so the management team made sure that we emphasised how important it was to reach the second round, both for the club and the fans.

"If the players needed any incentive to be in the hat for the third round, they couldn't ask for any more than the scheduled game being televised.

"Apart from the injury to Lee Minshull and the suspension of Christian Jolley, we have a fully-fit squad to choose from for the Ebbsfleet game, with both Jon Main and Brett Johnson fit again and available for selection.

"Last Monday, we went through the DVD of the Ebbsfleet game with the players and identified certain points where we can improve. The schedule of two games between Thursday and Sunday means that we will be resting players on the Sunday that we feel are in need of a break and once again we will be delving in to the strength of our squad."

After a ninth-minute goal from Mark Nwokeji, an Ashley Carew brace in the first half made it 2-1 Ebbsfleet at halftime. That's when Wimbledon rebounded...through the feet of Sammy Moore.

Moore scored in the 90th minute of regulation, then took the Fleet out of their misery in the 120th minute to complete his brace.

With the 3-2 victory, Wimbledon moved on to the second round proper to face Stevenage F.C.

"It was a real FA Cup tie with passion and enthusiasm from both sides," Brown said after the match. "It was one of those games where no one really deserves to lose. I felt sorry for [Ebbsfleet manager] Liam [Daish], as the timing of the goals was particularly cruel.

"I am absolutely delighted with the character shown by our side to keep going for what was 95 minutes and to get what I felt was a deserved equaliser was a credit to all 14 players who took part.

"As far as the game was concerned, I don't think we defended well enough in the first half and were far too open at the back. The re-emergence of Brett Johnson was a real tonic and although I think all of our young lads are a credit to the club, you really do need some experience in there in big games.

"I'd also like to thank the supporters who made the journey as they were fantastic. I hope that none of them left after 94 minutes and missed all the excitement."

Brown did note that there were some casualties from the breakthrough victory.

"Unfortunately for us," Brown said, "it looks as though Brett [Johnson] has picked up another injury to his already damaged knee and he underwent a scan today to determine how bad it is. Andre Blackman also picked up a leg injury and will be doubtful for Sunday's game.

"Thursday night's game took an incredible amount out of all the players involved, both physically and mentally, and I will hopefully be able to rest two or three players on Sunday. Because of the depth of the squad I don't feel it will weaken the side in any way and it gives one or two who came on and did well last night the opportunity for another start.

"For Sunday, we can also include Chris Bush and Christian Jolley, who are available again."

The Dons looked to crank the heat up as they faced the Poppies of Kettering Town on Sunday, Nov. 21. The AFC Wimbledon manager stressed the importance of the match with the Poppies, since the Wombles dropped to third place overall on the table with the setback to Barrow.

"This is another massive game for us, as we press to stay in contention in the league. The boys put a real shift in last night and I know that some of them need a break—although the spirit is such that none of them will want to be rested.

"But it's my job to get the balance right and I'll be talking to Mike Rayner about his perception of how the players are coping with the strenuous fixture list we face. That will help me to decide our team for Sunday."

After a fast start in the first half, AFC Wimbledon cruised to a 3-2 victory. Luke Moore got things off right with goals in the 11th and 18th minute (the latter off a penalty) and Christian Jolley made it 3-0 in the 35th minute.

Kettering was able to cut it to 3-2 10 minutes from time but were unable to equalize.

The victory gives AFC Wimbledon a 13-2-5 record (41 points).

That's good for first place on the table. Though second-placed Crawley Town have a game-in-hand over the Dons.

Wimbledon will once again take a break from Football Conference National action with a couple of cup ties. On Wednesday, Nov. 24, the Wombles take on Colliers Wood United F.C. at the Wibbadune Sports Ground in Colliers Wood, London in the second round of the Surrey Senior Cup.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.

The Dons will then continue FA Cup action with their second-round proper tie with Stevenage. Kickoff at the Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 27, at 7:50 a.m. ET.