View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 54: Wimbledon Say Hello To An Old Friend

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon returned home this week for an important Football League Two contest with Gillingham at Kingsmeadow on Saturday.

Wimbledon came into the contest with a 5-3-2 record (17 points), while Gillingham had an identical record but a superior goal differential. Both teams were chasing Morecambe and Shrewsbury Town, who were both blazing a trail with 6-2-2 records and 20 points apiece.

Gillingham's star player is a former Don: Danny Kedwell, who slotted home the winning penalty in the Football Conference promotion play-off final against Luton Town.

"This week's first team squad training has been in an almost Mediterranean climate and it was like going back to our preseason training sessions where we were able to work on both our pattern and shape," Brown told reporters. "In the next few days we not only face Gillingham but also Stevenage, on Tuesday night, and I will be looking to utilise the whole squad as much as I can during those two games.

"Having read the report of Gillingham's win against Burton on Saturday, we are fully aware of how well Gillingham played and the fact that they now seem to have struck up a good partnership up front with West Ham loan player Frank Nouble and Danny Kedwell taking Burton to the cleaners. Obviously this is Danny's first return after taking us to promotion with that unforgettable penalty kick and I do hope the fans will give him a very loud and warm welcome back, as he deserves it."

Last season, Gillingham finished 17-12-17 (68 points) and finished just out of the race for the promotion playoffs.

Christian Jolley scored a brace in the 10th and 12th minutes, while Jack Midson made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute of play. Charlie Lee salvaged some pride for Gillingham, but it was too little too late as the Dons stormed to a 3-1 victory over Gillingham.

Up next for the Dons are a couple of big matches.

First up is a Football League Trophy tie against Stevenage on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. PT/2:45 p.m. ET.

Wimbledon will return to Football League Two play on Saturday, Oct. 8 when they travel to Globe Arena to face the Shrimps of Morecambe. Kickoff is at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET.