Wycombe Wanderers 2 – 0 AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon’s impressive record against League Two’s top teams came to an end at Wycombe to leave manager Neal Ardley fuming.
Second half goals from Josh Scowen and Sam Wood were enough for former Wimbledon winger Gareth Ainsworth’s side to hold their position at the summit, in what he described as one of Wanderers’ best performances of the season.
It was only the second time this term that a defence has shut out the Dons’ prolific front-line, who recorded just one shot all game.
“I thought it was poor,” said Ardley.
“I thought we showed a lack of bravery in the performance. Wycombe knew where our threats were and the more they pressed us the scrappier our game became.”
A lacklustre first half from the Dons saw Barry Fuller make a crucial goal-denying block to ensure the sides ended the period on level terms.
Wycombe continued to play the better football and were rewarded after 51 minutes as Steven Craig split the Dons defence to find Cowen, who curled past Dons keeper James Shea to open the scoring.
Ardley’s men attacked in numbers in an attempt to level the scores but that only left Wimbledon’s back line more exposed and 20 minutes from time Sam Wood forced a second goal from close range.
“I’ve got no complaints about the result,” said Ardley.
“When teams are at the top of the table they are there for a reason.
“I think they out-worked us. They won most of the second balls and had quality in the right areas when they needed it. “
The two managers, former teammates at Wimbledon, will have contrasting memories of the reunion. Wimbledon were firmly outplayed and will hope to rediscover previous form before hosting Plymouth next week.
Feature image courtesy of Rob Cornell, with thanks
