View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 21: Into the Deep Freeze Once Again

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon found themselves in a pinch in terms of playing time, as a frozen surface postponed their Boxing Day contest with Hayes & Yeading United.

In the meantime, the AFC Wimbledon Youth Academy sides saw its first graduate get the call to the senior squad.

"The lads were back training hard today on a grass surface covered with at least five inches of snow," Brown said on Dec. 21. "The players were able to participate in running—although unfortunately only in straight lines due to the conditions. However, Simon Bassey concocted a running schedule that bested them for 45 minutes. After that, and owing to the fact that we weren't able to participate in any football work, Jason, our fitness coach, also took them for a 45-minute gym session."

"Today is probably the only day we are able to work the players really hard and a special well done to Brendan Kiernan, our new young signing. As well as being a fantastic young talent, Brendan certainly showed how quick and fit he is during this morning's session."

"Brendan is our first-ever graduate from the youth academy into the first-team squad. He has blossomed under the tutorship of Mark Robinson with several fine displays in the FA Youth Cup and a fantastic second half debut in the recent London Senior Cup win at Dulwich Hamlet. Brendan possesses two great feet and good balance and he will definitely be one to look out for in a Wimbledon shirt over the next year or two."

As for signing players in January, Brown is hopeful that his gold-panning will pay off.

"On the subject of signing players," Brown said, "I'm always being asked if we will be strengthening in the January transfer window. The answer is that we will be looking at the possibility of strengthening our squad within the New Year and if good enough players become available the club will allow me to strengthen as and when necessary."

The down time from the frozen pitch did prove beneficial in at least one aspect—it allowed AFC Wimbledon to heal a number of its players suffering from injuries.

"On the injury front," Brown said, "our two experienced centre halves, Brett Johnson and Ismail Yakubu, underwent cortisone injections in the knee today in the hope that they will be fit and able to take part in some of the games over Christmas. Our other two injured players, Lee Minshull and Sammy Moore, both completed the running today without any problem and look to be fit and available for selection over the Christmas period."

"I must say I am extremely pleased that we enter the festive period in top position. I have no doubt that to remain there we will have to improve as the hard work and pressure will kick in during the New Year."

Things seemed to be optimistic for the home tie with Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday, Dec. 28. After an army of volunteers helped shovel away the frost, the game was on.

Wimbledon slammed the door shut on Eastbourne Borough, 3-0, off goals by Mark Nwokeji in the 45th minute, Ricky Wellard in the 80th minute and Rashid Yusuff in the 89th minute.

With the victory, the Dons end 2010 on a winning note and look to open 2011 with a victory on New Year's Day against Hayes on Jan. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET.

A short turnaround awaits Wimbledon, who will travel to Newport, Wales for one of the biggest contests of the season, against second-place Newport County AFC. Kickoff is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. ET.