View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 24: More Misery for the Dons

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon were struggling in January and, they were hoping to fix their lack of form when they hosted Woking in the second round of the 2010-11 FA Trophy.

"Saturday's game sees the visit of three-time Trophy winners, Woking FC, visiting Kingsmeadow," Brown said. "This is a competition where they have a very proud record and will no doubt be looking to emulate their illustrious predecessors. Having reached the semi-finals on three different occasions, as a player, a coach and a manager, I would dearly love to take Wimbledon to Wembley this year and we will be picking a very strong eleven to try and overcome a strong Woking side."

"Woking's FA Cup displays this year have been fantastic, with an away draw at Brighton followed by a very unlucky defeat in a penalty shoot out at the Kingfield stadium. So we know we are in for a game tomorrow."

Brown was very pleased with the progress of his players, but admitted that his Dons side was not at full strength.

"Training this morning has seen the boys in good spirit. We will be without the services of Steven Gregory due to a slight hamstring pull. We might take the opportunity to rest of a couple of players from the Luton game and, of course, Jamie Stuart is not eligible having played for Rushden and Diamonds in an earlier round.

You will, however, have the opportunity to see our new signing at left back, Gareth Gwillim. Gareth trained with the squad for the first time today and looked very accomplished both with and without the ball.

As far as long term injuries are concerned, Lee Minshull's hairline fracture will take another five weeks to heal. Brett Johnson has seen a different specialist in Leicester who deals with a number of similar problems including, recently, two players at Stoke City. So, we are cautiously optimistic that there may be a significant improvement in the next few days. Time will tell, and hopefully soon.

Also, on behalf of the club we'd like to welcome back two outstanding characters both on and off the field who have made a significant contribution to the rise of this club. Andy Little made nearly 150 starts in league and cup for the Dons and Alan Inns made 35 starts. Both made a major contribution to our success over recent years and I am sure that the crowd will give them a warm welcome.

Last, but by no means least, Jon Main has asked if he can get some game time under his belt and the club has agreed to loan him to his local club Dartford for a month. They have a heavy fixture schedule over the next four weeks and Jon should play in at least seven or eight games during his spell there. His goalscoring record with us is second to none and I am sure that Dartford will benefit from Jon's unique ability in and around the box."

However, there would be nothing but disappointment for Wimbledon.

In spite of goals from Mark Nwokeji in the 38th minute and Danny Kedwell in the 71st minute; an 87th minute winner from Woking's Elvis Hammond sent the Dons out of the FA Trophy in a 3-2 defeat.

With the lack of form displayed from Wimbledon over the past few weeks, it isn't a January Wombles supporters will want to remember. So, the question is brought up: will the Dons win again?

A couple of midweek games on the road will provide the answer.

AFC Wimbledon will look to end a four-game winless streak when they take on Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET. The Dons will then travel to Colliers Wood for a Surrey Senior Cup tie against Colliers Wood United on Thursday, Jan. 20. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.

After these midweek clashes, Wimbledon will return home to host Southport in the final home game of the month. Kickoff at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET.