View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 20: Dulwich and More Frozen Pitches

After breezing past the first round of the FA Trophy against Braintree, more cup action was in store for Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon as they took on Dulwich Hamlet in the London Senior Cup.

"After watching the DVD of our FA Trophy game with Braintree Town over the weekend," Brown said, "it is evident that although we played some nice football at times, we need to be more physical and have more of a cutting edge in the midfield area. When Steven Gregory, Ricky Wellard and Rashid Yussuff all play together in that area, we have three players who are very similar."

"The good news is that Sammy Moore is recovering well from his groin strain, but it is 50/50 as to whether he will be able to play against Wrexham on Saturday. And Lee Minshull has taken in his first full training session since breaking his toe against Barrow in mid-November. The only other long-term injury doubt is Brett Johnson, who today will be receiving his last shockwave treatment. If this is successful, he should be available for game time over the Christmas period. If it is not, we will have to look again at how to clear up this particularly troublesome injury."

Brown was pleased with the performance of his squad in the buildup to the match.

"The squad trained very well today," Brown said, "and several of the players who don’t usually start are looking forward to 90 minutes of action tomorrow night against Dulwich Hamlet in the London Senior Cup. It will also be an opportunity for some of the youngsters, including three players from the Under-19 academy who gave such a good account of themselves in the FA Youth Cup this season, to impress. The full squad is: Jack Turner, Wilson Gondwe, Andre Blackman, Ed Harris, Billy Joe King, Reece Jones, Callum Dunne, Karl Douglin, Jon Main, Mark Nwokeji, Ritchie Whittingham, Ali Aksoy, Nathan Gordon, Charlie Girdler and Brendan Kiernan."

Wimbledon earned a second-round draw with Woking, which will take place at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET.

"The FA Trophy draw made today pitches us against previous winners Woking in a local derby that will be keenly contested and should be an entertaining game for both sets of fans," Brown noted on the Woking tie. "Their successful FA Cup run, including two games against Brighton & Hove Albion, showed what formidable opponents they can be, and we will need to be at our best to progress to the Third Round. The return of former players Andy Little and Alan Inns will add further spice to the tie."

Dulwich proved to be a feisty group of footballers, but Wimbledon were too strong and prevailed, 3-2. They will take on either Barking or Beckenham Town in the quarterfinals on Jan. 8.

The Dons were back to Football Conference National play on Saturday when they hosted Wrexham. The prospects of a frozen pitch made the match seem in doubt.

"Hopefully Saturday's game will go ahead," Brown said. "The club has certainly done its part in trying to ensure that this very important league fixture takes place. The players were able to train today and we have had a really good week overall, considering the temperatures."

Healthwise, the Dons seemed to be in good stead.

"Apart from Sammy Moore, Brett Johnson and Lee Minshull," Brown noted, "we have a full squad to choose from and if we can get a game in on Saturday when others are not playing it will definitely help alleviate any fixture pile up. Lee was due to play in a reserve game tomorrow but that game is looking doubtful at present and if it is called off then his comeback will be delayed again."

"We have had a light covering of snow on the covers today and we would much appreciate any of our supporters who are able to volunteer to help to clear it and get the game going."

"We know it is going to be a difficult game as Wrexham are undoubtedly one of the best teams we have faced this season. We know we were fortunate to take the points from our visit to The Racecourse Ground and we will need to be on our mettle tomorrow to repeat that result."

However, the game was called off on saturday due to a frozen pitch.

Up next for AFC Wimbledon is the first of three matches in one week: a Boxing Day clash with Hay & Yeading United at Church Road in Hayes, Middlesex. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 26 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

The Wombles will then take on Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET. Finally, to close the week, Wimbledon will open the New Year with a home tie against Hayes. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET.