View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 53: A Chicken-Fried Saturday for AFC Wimbledon

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon found themselves stuck smack-dab in the middle of the Football League Two table when they traveled to Valley Parade to take on the Bantams of Bradford City A.F.C.

Brown noted on Thursday that few injuries have plagued a stable Dons outfit who walloped the Robins of Cheltenham Town 4-1.

"We are in the fortunate position at the moment of suffering very few injuries to what is the largest squad I've worked with at the club," Brown said on Thursday, "These games are also a great opportunity for Marcus's development squad to play alongside and against senior players."

"Other young players who got on and acquitted themselves very well were Huw Johnson, Jake Rose and Louie Theopanous, who is currently on trial for Marcus.

"We have also taken the opportunity to loan out Fraser Franks today for a month, which will incorporate eight games. He will gain first team experience in the Blue Square Premier with Hayes and Yeading and, having watched them play on Tuesday night, he will enter a young and enthusiastic footballing side."

Last season, Bradford—who spent some time in the Premier League under then-manager Paul Jewell—finished a horrendous 18th in the league and barely escaped relegation. The Bantams came into the contest with a 1-5-3 record (six points) and were just one point drift of the relegation zone.

Midfielder Dave Syers is Bradford's top scorer, leading the team with 10 goals last season. Also a player the Dons needed to keep an eye on is forward James Hanson, who recorded nine goals last year.

In the 26th minute, it was Michael Flynn who gave Bradford a 1-0 lead. Wimbledon's Jack Midson equalized in the 31st minute with a screamer.

In the 58th minute, Christian Jolley gave the Dons a 2-1 lead with another solid volley. That would be the final, as AFC Wimbledon exacted revenge for being relegated out of the Premier League at the hands of Bradford in their final season in the top flight.

Up next for Wimbledon (5-3-2, 17 points) is a match with Gillingham, who feature former Dons standout Danny Kedwell. Kickoff at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 a.m. ET/10 a.m. ET.