March 2003.

Saturday y 29 March 2003
AFC Wimbledon 3 v AFC Wallingford 2

A Superb performance by the Players, the Management and the 3,234 Fans today as AFC Wimbledon inflicted only the 2nd defeat of the season on the mighty AFC Wallingford with a 3-2 victory at Kingsmeadow.

But it wasn't looking to good after six minutes after a free kick was awarded to the Wallies on the right side at the athletics end just out side the box, Wallies Shane Small-King place the ball and bent it like Beckham leaving Ray Merry no chance into the top right corner of the goal.

The Dons could have dropped at that point but with matchsponsors P.I.S.A.(Pissed Independent Supporters Association, the unofficial drinking arm of WISA) in the main stand leading the chanting the rest of the crowd kicked in and the Dons went up a gear and on 15 minutes where awarded a corner on the right, Sullys corners of late have not been up to his standard, from the corner Sully swung the ball across and with Danny Oakins marking Studley the Wallies keeper on the line the ball bounced low pass them both and into the back of the net 1-1 and this may explain why his corners have been hitting the side of the net he's been shooting for goal.

With the Dons playing some good balls from both wings it wasn't long before they got another corner this was on the left this time, Sean Daly took it and crossed the ball it to the box, but it was cleared by one of the Wallingford defenders, straight back to Daly who put in another cross this time to the head of Joe Sheerin on the near side six yard box and the ball looped over the head of Paul Strudley and the Dons where 2-1 up with 24 minutes gone.

There was another 4 or 5 strikes on goal for the Dons the best falling to Coops which was stopped well by the keeper, the Dons defence did give us a small scare when one of them headed the ball over the outrunning Ray Merry and was heading toward goal, on the line Keith Ward proved why he's the BogsBxxxcks by clearing the ball up into the air onto the crossbar and out of danger.

With the Dons putting the Wallies players under a lot of pressure whenever they where on the ball, they didn't get another chance until the 40th minute, when they again got a free kick this time on the left side, up stepped the Small-King to repeat his earlier goal bending it again into the same corner, 2-2 just before half time not what we needed, but the Dons just got straight back at the Wallies and went in at half time having just missed another chance HT 2-2.

The second half started a bit tense and a few strong kicks where going in from both sides, on 57 minutes the Dons received a free kick by the touchline on the left which was taken by Andy Sullivan, he swung it high over to the back where Kevin Cooper was unmarked, who then brought the ball down and crossed the ball back in to the back post where Matt Everard was still waiting to head home the Dons 3rd of the day and also the 100th league goal of the season 3-2.

The Wallies had just did not know how to brake down the Dons defence and on the counter we had a few more chances, with 15 minutes left Simon Bassey and Andy Shildrick got entangled and where both booked along with the wallies no. 11, then with about five minute's to go the Dons got a freekick that the No. 11 did not agree with and throw the ball away in front of the ref who pulled him up and gave him his 2nd yellow and off he went.

With hardly any extra time the ref blow the final whistle on the best game at the meadow this season, and also the best atmosphere when the team needed it, at times this season the crowd have got on the players backs, but today they gave it their best to lift the players to their best performance this season Well Done To You All Players, Fans and Management.

Team : Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Danny Oakins, Sean Daly, Lee Sidwell, Simon Bassey, Gavin Bolger, Andy Sullivan, Joe Sheerin, Kevin Cooper.

Subs : Noel Frankum (NU), Gareth Graham (>75m J.S), Ally Russell (>80m K.C)

Goalscorers : Andy Sullivan straight from a corner, Joe Sheerin from a header and Matt Everard also from a header and this was also the 100th league goal this season.

Attendance : 3,234 (more than at the England game)

Wednesday 26 March 2003
AFC Wimbledon 1 v Merstham 0

After the eight goal spectacular on Saturday, tonight's match against Merstham was always going to have a lot to live up to.

After receiving a corner after four minutes Matt Everard did what he has done so often for us since joining, as the ball was floated over to the back he came flying in and towering over everyone drove the ball towards goal, the keeper managed to defected the ball to his left straight into the waiting path of Danny Oakins and Keith Ward who both went for the ball, but it was uncle Wardy that put the ball over 1-0 Dons.

The rest of the 1st half and the 2nd half was just to frustrating to go into with lots of chances to score a bucket load of goals for both side's final score 1-0 and another three point's, but with our next game against leaders AFC Wallingford on Saturday the Dons are going to have to put some of those chances away and cement up the the holes that appeared in the defence again tonight.

Apart from three points, the only plus sides tonight was that Gareth Graham came on with 20 minutes to go and did give the midfield another dimension, also training before the game and at half time where Glyn Shimell, Joe Sheerin, Noal Frankum all of which looked to have got over their injuries and can only make the team stronger.

Team : Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Matt Everard, , Gavin Bolger, Simon Bassey, Andy Sullivan, Lee Sidwell, Ally Russell and Kevin Cooper.

Subs Used : Gareth Graham (2H A.R), Not Used : Mark Nicholas, Lee Passmore

Goalscorer : Keith Ward (4)

Attendance : 2,338

Wednesday 26 March 2003
Team News for Tonight

Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Matt Everard, Mark Nicholas, Lee Passmore, Gareth Graham, Gavin Bolger, Simon Bassey, Andy Sullivan, Lee Sidwell, Ally Russell and Kevin Cooper.

also reaction from Coops & Bolger on O/S

Tuesday 25 March 2003
Time to dig deep and buy a Foundation

Last night at the Special General Meeting of The Dons Trust the members where ask for vote on three options the 1st option was to ground share with Tooting & Mitcham, the 2nd option to continue to ground share at Kingsmeadow, and the 3rd option was to purchase the 110 year lease for Kingsmeadow for £2.7million to be paid in full by Dec 31 03.

The show of hands was about 95% in favour to purchasing Kingsmeadow and with about 900 people present and additional proxy votes this was more than the 2/3 required.

For a review of last night check out Paul Raymonds itmustbedon.com site.

Statement issued on Official site

Saturday 21 March 2003
North Greenford given six of the best.

On walking down the Berkeley Avenue all I could see was rugby goals, first though was how strange where's the ground, 2nd though was at least were get more goals with the chances that have gone over the bar recently, then from the left of the gate to the field came two stewards and with a welcoming hello they said the grounds just to the left at the end, going through the car park every person I passed said hello, never got that at any Pro grounds, passing the Womulance with a quick look to see if there was anything my nephew hadn't got so far, nope nothing, new badges in the ground, paid to go in and again welcomed by all at the gate, quick drink in the bar and watched Manchew score their third against Foolham on the TV, left the bar passing the marquee tent also set-up outside,, the sun was out and it and every was smiling.

I picked up the two new badges one for today's match and one for the Bedfont match Tuesday and went on a walkabout around the pitch, the near goal background was a small wooded area with a small ash pile from a campfire, the area behind the team benches was covered in sand, the other goal was up on a slope with some more trees and houses, as this was the end we where attacking pitched here for the 1st half just behind the goal.

After a poor 1st half that saw NGU take the lead after 26 mins when a shot hit the post and bounce straight back to another NG player to score with ease, NG could have been two nil up within minutes when an unmarked NG player on the Dons goal line cleared a shot over the bar.

It was Gavin Bolger who equalised for the Dons on 38 minutes, when from a free kick on the right Simon Bassey received the ball in the box turned and went through two player shot at goal, only for the ball to be cleared to the six yard box and a waiting Bolger to slot the ball low into the corner, NG looked the better in the 1st half with some good passing and, not with the slope on their side had a bit of pass in the 1st half.

2nd half moved behind other goal passing the small stand and the scaffold four step terrace that covered the half length of the pitch and had been I presume put up for this game.

The Second half was totally different from the start the Dons where at NG from the kick-off and with chance after chances in the first 15 minutes being cleared the Dons could not brake through,the Dons second goal came from an over top ball that bounced in the box Gavin Bolger, the keeper and a NG defender all went for the ball just before they clashed into each other Bolger got his ball to the it and poked it through to an unmarked Coops to tap it in 1-2 the Dons.

After that the keeper started to drop the odd ball on crosses, it was from one of these crosses after a nice bit of skill by Sidwell on the left he crossed the ball and the keeper went up for it but completely missed the ball which came down into the path of Kevin Cooper 1-3 the Dons.

The forth goal came from the right side when I believe it was Sully who went down the line and then crossed to the near side to Gavin Bolger who went pass a couple off player and fired home into the top left corner 1-4 with 85 minutes gone.

The Dons seem to go to sleep for a bit and NG had their 1st chance on goal followed on 88 minutes with a nice sweeping move that gave NGU a 2nd goal and the chance to at least equal the 4-3 at our place, but with 90 minutes gone the Dons got a freekick just outside the box, Coops on a hatrick lined up the ball, there where three men in the line but Kevin Cooper drove the ball low into the bottom left of the goal and off he went ran celebrating another well earned hatrick 2-5 the Dons.

In CCLT* the usual chant of 'we want six chant' went up from the crowd and with the ball being knock into the box to Kevin Cooper's feet there was always a chance and as he turned pass two NG defenders they both brought him down right in front of the ref who blow for a penalty.

With his hatrick already in the bag Coops passed the ball to Bolger who was on two goal to take the kick, there was a buzz in the crowd behind the goal with most of the fans behind the goal as the left side had started moving round to go home after the 5th goal, the chant increased.

Gavin moved forward and placed the ball the keeper with his stick insect legs moved to his goal line, the ref blow the whistle to take the kick Gavin made a short run up and stuck the ball, the keeper dived to his right just as the ball hit the the back of the net to his low left, yes the five barrier had broken, two hatricks and three more points, next up at home on Wednesday is Merstham and maybe we can get seven like Wallingford did against Viking Greenford today.

Team : Ray Merry, Matt Everard, Keith Ward, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Simon Bassey, Gavin Bolger, Lee Sidwell, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Ali Russell

Subs none used : Dave Towse, Robbie Burns, Mark Nicholas

Goalscorers : Gavin Bolger (38,85, pen 90+) Kevin Cooper ( 6,67,90+) NGU goals (25,88)

Attendance : 943

*CCLT = extra time played after ninety minutes = 12 low by current standards but worth two goals ;-)

Friday 21 March 2003
Nostalgia Evening

What a great night, 150 Dons quite a few of the 63 players, including captain Roy Law who gave a small speech of thanks to all, also some messages from the 88 team including Vinnie, Gibbo, Corky & Sanchez, who said he would be delighted to come to the last game of the season against Raynes Park, the evening started of with some great black and white footage of the Sutton v Dons 63 Amateur Cup Final with all six goals, this was followed by the 88 Semi Final 2-1 win against Luton Town, after a short brake we where show the whole 90 mins of the 88 Final against Liverpool, um how did that finish again oh yer 1-0 to the Wimbledon, this was followed be an auction of a Roger Joseph signed shirt, a picture of the 88 team signed by most players, then a white AFC shirt signed by Kevin Cooper (AFC) and Alan Cork and a message from Corkie, finally a 63 program signed by some of the player, good few hundred pounds raised for the Dons Trust Ground Fund.

Great night was had by all and thanks to Mick & Alex Pugh and all organising it, plus Marc Jones for the great program designed for the night.

Friday 21 March 2003
The Long Good Weekend.

The weekend starts Friday from 7.30 pm with the 63/88 Nostalgia Evening (see here for ticket info)at Motspur Park Club, there is also the away match against North Greenford Utd if this is anything like the 4-3 win at Kingsmeadow then we could be in for another heart pumping treat, then like me your a Dons Trust member there is a SGM to decide on the ground issue on Monday at the Wimbledon Theatre, and then the weekend ends two days later on Wednesday when we have our home game against the Merstham cheese roll boys.

Only bad news is Withdean won 3-1 against Walton Casuals.

Thursday 20 March 2003
OLD RUTLISHIANS v AFC WIMBLEDON REPRESENTATIVE XI Charity Match

An all-ticket charity match against Old Rutlishians has been announced to be played at Poplar Road on Sunday 13th April, KO 3pm.

Further details here.
All gate receipts will be donated to the Hedley Atkins Ward at Guy's Hospital.

Also for charity Kevin Cooper joined by his beloved Westlife in the celebrity 'Dunk 'n' Funk' event at Crystal Palace.
Already buzzing with anticipation over AFC Wimbledon's record scoring frontman Kevin Cooper taking to the basketball court the event has recieved a real boost as Westlife have today confirmed they will be putting a team together to play at this year's celebrity basketball event Dunk 'n' Funk in aid of The Everyman Campaign.
Their team includes Brian, Cian, Shane and friends and they have specifically requested their kit colour is green.
Run by the organisers of the infamous 'Music Industry Celebrity Soccer Six', the event is held at Crystal Palace Indoor Arena on Sunday 30th March.
See our very own goal hot shot KEVIN COOPER amongst a celebrity line-up including Westlife, Dane Bowers, Romeo, One True Voice, DJ Spoony, Timmi Magic and Mikee B (Radio 1’s Dreem Team), So Solid Crew’s Megaman, Tiger S, Neutrino, Lisa Mafia, Thug Angel, Judi Shekoni (Precious, Eastenders), Rhino – Gladiators, Adele Silva (Emmerdale), Jakki Degg (Model), Jamie Luke, Lisa Kay and Kate Baines (Hollyoaks) and Leilani – Real Footballers Wives.
Tickets on sale now priced £8 (Adults) £5 (children) (group discounts available) from Way Ahead call 0115 912 9111. Sunday 30th March, doors open 10.30am, tip off at 12:00. Check http://www.cup.uk.com or for more info.

Wednesday 19 March 2003
Raynes Park Vale at home will be last game of the Season

AFC Wimbledon v Raynes Park Vale has been confirmed by the O/S/ for Bank Holiday Monday 5th May at Kingsmeadow with a 1pm Kick off and with this being a local derby and also being our last game of such a wonderful season this will be a BIG event and must see game.

Tuesday 18 March 2003
Bedfont 1-2 AFC Wimbledon

I knew the ground was near Heathrow but the sight and sound and the planes taking off directly above our heads every minute took some getting used to, don't know how the good people of Bedfont can play their every other week let alone live there.

The ground was about only 200 yard from Hatton Cross, and easy to find cross the big road, follow the sign, they also seemed a friendly bunch and a fair size club house and had laid on a tent in the ground with burgers and giant Hot-dogs very welcoming.

And onto the game well the Dons made hard work against a tough Bedfont team, the game started 15 mins early for some unknown reason, and with only ten minutes gone the Dons where forced to make an wanted change with Joe Sheerin going off inquired with a pulled a hamstring!, and eight minutes later it got worse as Bedfont took advantage of some slack defending at the back to go one up.

The Dons upped the pace and within three minutes Ali Russell on for Joe got his head to a cross and headed the ball against the post only for the ball to land at the feet of Kevin Cooper and with and open goal Coops slotted the ball home with ease for his 30th league goal of the season, putting him only ten behind Dons Legend Eddie Reynolds.

The rest of the half was fifty fifty with the game going from one end to the other and both teams have some good chances, just before half time a small scrap between player happened on the half way line a sign of how the 2nd half was to go. HT 1-1.

The second half started slow and started to get a bit dirty in stages, the Dons put Bedfont under some more pressure and with 60 minute's gone the ever threatening figure of Matt Everard rose above everyone to head home his forth goal in eight games for the Dons not bad for a defender.

With about ten minutes of normal time remaining the Bedfont keeper lost his head and ran out of his box to clear the ball, which him did but for some reason rather than getting back to his goal he decide to charge down Ali Russell elbowing him in the face and bring him to the ground, we all saw what he had done and he knew what he had done was wrong and put his head in his hands expecting to be sent off, and the ref also saw what he had done as he awarded us a free kick, but he did not even give the keeper a talking too and just waved him away.

I say of normal time because as we all know CCL refs like to see us play as much injury time as possible and with the added injury problem of Andy Sullivan being hacked (he had to be helped to the changing room) down in that time the ref made he 2nd half last sixty minutes, this also gave Bedfont time to make a late surge including a good run by one of their player who after going through three or four players fired the ball against the woodwork that the ball came straight back out to the outside of the box and was eventually cleared for a corner

Full Time result two one to the Dons and another three point, but more important a better day at the office.

Team : Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Sean Daly, Dave Towse, Lee Sidwell, Neil Robson, Simon Bassey, Andy Sullivan, Joe Sheerin, Kevin Cooper.

Subs used: Mark Nicholas, Ali Russell not used: Garner.

Goals: Bedfont 18 mins. Kevin Cooper (21), Matt Everard (60).

Attendance : 633

Tuesday 18 March 2003
Joint press release.

THE following press release was issued jointly by the Dons Trust and AFC Wimbledon at 5pm Tuesday 18 March 2003 by agreement with Anup and Rajesh Khosla. Click here for more info from O/S.

Tuesday 18 March 2003
Bedfont v AFC Wimbledon Preview

Tonight we face 5th place Bedfont, it maybe a bit noisy as the game is being played in the shadow of Heathrow so bring the megaphones and make some more, but leave the flares at home (maybe a bit jumpy round that area to loud bangs).

Bedfont have lost three out of their last four, but these where against the Wallies, G&G and the Vale with only a win against Frimley Green in between, in our last meeting at Kingsmeadow in October we beat them 5-1 (Joe Sheerin 34, 85, Lee Sidwell 46, Ali Russell 87, Danny Oakins 90) in a tight game with only the three late goals making the result look more flattering than it was.

Team News as yet nothing official but I hear Noel Frankum may be out for a few weeks, he is having his Wisdom Teeth removed (ouch), also Lee Passmore has started his 7 day suspension so he will be missing, Neil Robson should be back for tonight's game as he was only at wedding on Saturday and Joe Sheerin should also be back after being rested on Saturday.

Kick Off 7.45pm click here for directions

Tuesday 18 March 2003
Daly out till end of July.

Sean Daly's has been handed a 112 day ban to run from the 7th April till the 27 July after his sending off against Withdean 2000

The club has decided not to appeal against this decision.

Saturday 15 March 2003
AFC Wimbledon 0 - 0 Farnham Town

The result speaks for itself a day when any chances we had did not full our way, we had loads of corners but none of them proved fruitful, two in the 1st half only made it into the side netting.

With respect to Farnham T after their 7-1 trashing two days ago they looked like a different team today, they defended in numbers and had few attacks, they came with a game plan and they stuck to it

The good news from today was that even though he did not look total fit Ali Russell did last 90 minutes and can only get stronger, also Simon Bassey came on as sub late on and looked his usual lively self (was spoken to within minutes by the ref). up front we did miss Joe Sheerin and he should be back for Tuesday match against Bedfont.

Just want to say thanks to the Millwall fan who turned up at the game today instead of smellhurst and especially to the ones chanting 'we respect you AFC' on their way out after the game, shame it wasn't a better result at both games.

Team : Ray Merry, Matt Everard (c), Dave Towse, Keith Ward, Sean Daly, Gavin Bolger, Noel Frankum, Lee Sidwell, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Ali Russell.

Subs all used : Lee Passmore, Robbie Burns, Simon Bassey

Attendance : 2,850

Friday 14 March 2003
Farnham Town Match Preview.

The following players have been announced on the official site for the match tomorrow against Farnham Town.

Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Sean Daly, Dave Towse, Simon Bassey, Lee Sidwell, Lee Passmore, Noel Frankum, Gavin Bolger, Robbie Burns, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Ali Russell.

Missing is Joe Sheerin who is being rested, Robson & Oakins are not available to be picked, good to see Ali Russell and Simon Bassey back in the team after injury and also Robbie Burns has been named again, hope he can get a longer run out as he looked quick and eager when coming on as a sub against Barkingside.

Farnham Town played only yesterday against Withdean and where 5-1 down at half time and finally lost 7-1, when we played back in October we only won by a late Danny Oakins goal, but we have improved a lot since then and I would hope we would have at least the same result as against Cobham if not more and maybe brake the six goal barrier.

Thursday 13th March 2003
Planing Permission for the redevelopment of Tooting & Mitchems ground was turned down tonight.

Also Withdean won tonight 7-1 against Farnham Town, not a good night.

Thursday 13 March 2203
Just see the following comment on Weird & Wonderful World's guestbook from our great manager Mr. Terry Eames "Thanks for the support Last Nite - Great Win, Good Performance. Thought Whole Team did what was asked - Had to make 'Enforced' substitutions which made for an interesting end. Just on the injury front Ali will be up for selection on Saturday ,Gareth Graham is progressing very well back in a fortnight. KEEP THE FAITH", hope he or WW&W don't mind me using it here but just wanted to show what a top man Mr.Eames is.

Wednesday 12 March 2003
AFC Wimbledon 5 Ash Utd 3

The Dons took the lead in the seventh minute with a wonder goal from Kevin Cooper from outside the box he hit the ball with the outside of his foot and it looed like it was going out before curvering back in about 9-10 yard in to the top corner, this was followed up on eighteen minutes from a corner, from the cross uncle Wardy headed the ball down and Matt Everard came in from the back to got his foot to it and knocked it over the line.

With ex womble Andy Hunt looking dodge when ever the ball was in the box the Dons should have got another two or three goals before half time, but it was a bad headed back pass by Wardy that let Ash back into the game on 38 minutes when their no. 10 intercepted the ball and lobbed Ray Merry 2-1 HT.

Nine minutes into the second half Coops when Lee Sidwell crossed the ball in low and Coops who was unmarked in the centre of the box slotted the ball home for his 2nd and the Dons third, then on 69 minutes Lee Sidwell scored the 4th goal, before kicking off again Joe Sheerin was replaced with Lee Passmore, the Dons where still dominating the game everywhere on the pitch and Ash where starting to leave the odd foot in when tackling, with seven minutes left Coops took a free kick an slotted it home in the bottom corner for his 3rd and our 5th on the night.

At 5-1 Mr. Eames must have believed like the rest of us that it was safe to removed Matt Everard and Noel Frankum but for the 15 minute, yes I know I said there was seven minutes left but no one told the ref Ash put our defence under a lot more pressure, resulting in a 2nd goal, on 89 minutes, then on 98 minutes Ash's No. 11 ran into the box and went down without being touched and the ref awarded a penalty to the disbelief of the crowd, from which Ash scored final score 5-3 AFC Wimbledon and another 3 points well earned.

Kingsmeadow was treated to an usual expedience for the whole of the 2nd when from the Grolsch Stand was heard the sound of a solitary Ash supporter chanting A S H Ash Utd, Red & Green Army at one point he had two stewards on one side about 10 yards away and two police office about the same distance way on the other side of him I presume just in case of any trouble, but he didn't look like he was looking for any and none of the Dons fan were, so for 45 mins+ he chanted non stop and even clapped our 5th goal and some early leaving Dons fans where given the 'we can see you going home chant' by him.

The hat-trick by Kevin Cooper has put him on 29 league goal this season and level with Wimbledon Legend Alan Cork as the joint 2nd highest goal scorer in a season, he is now only eleven goals behind the all time record of 40 goals scored by Eddie Reynolds with twelve games to go, only twelve games to go how time fly's when your having fun.

Team : Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Lee Sidwell, Noel Frankum, Gavin Bolger, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Joe Sheerin.

Subs all used : Dave Towse Lee Passmore, Ben Garner.

Goalscorers : Kevin Cooper (7,54,84), Matt Everard (18), Lee Sidwell (70)

Attendance : 2,409

Tuesday 11 March 2003
Ash Match Preview.

Matt Everard will be up against his old team mates tomorrow as Kingsmeadow play host to Ash Utd, in our match early in the season the Dons went 2-0 up and where having the better of the game, before Keith Ward was sent off for handling on the line and Ash made a fight back to claw back three goals and win 3-2.

At the time Ash where second in the table and after the game their manager said that we were no threat to them, how things have changed, where now in second and ash are currently 13th in the league after a string of bad result's and their also looking for a new manager, so he was right after all why would we want to challenge for twelfth place.

The Dons have been playing some good football of late and have won five out of the last six, including three straight wins away from home, so unless their were some injuries picked up against Cobham, it was a fairly clean match only Joe went off with a knock so the team should remain the same, the only change may be the no one jersey if Glyn Shimell is fit, but Ray Merry has done well in the recent three matches and may take some shifting.

Team news : Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Dave Towse, Lee Sidwell, Lee Passmore, Noel Frankum, Gavin Bolger, Ben Garner, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Joe Sheerin.

Only change from Saturday Ben Garner replaces Neil Robson.

Saturday 8 March 2003
Cobham 0 AFC Wimbledon 5

Well what can I say about today's match um three words one way ours.

Last week the Dons put on a terrific performance in Beirut I mean Feltham, this week on driving into the car park we where shepherded into our parking space by scouts, with a strong wind and a touch of rain in the air the beer tent was a warm welcome and the chandeliers a touch of Cobham class.

Onto the match with an unchanged team the dons where attacking the shed end and straight away the dons were in the box and Joe Sheerin set the shape of the game hitting the target, but the keeper blocked it out, with 6 minutes gone Sully took a corner short and on receiving it back crossed a peach of a ball across to be headed home for the 2nd week running by Mattie Everard, the 2nd goal came on twelve minutes also came from a cross from the right to be meet this time by Joe Sheerin.

The rest of the second half was all Dons, Cobham did have a shot on goal on about 40 minutes, but it was dealt with by Ray Merry, half time score two nil.

The 2nd half started just the same and with the wind in our favourer Coops took the opportunity to attempt a lob that just went over and wide, on 52 minutes Gavin Bolger got his 3rd in three matches, then from the kick off the Dons got the ball straight back and again Sidwell crossed the ball over this time low just inside the box, it looked like Coops was about to blast it in but in stead he laid it to his left to Andy Sullivan who hit it 1st time leaving the keeper no chance 0-4.

The fifth goal was also one to savour not just because it was a well taken goal, but also because it was Noal Frankums 1st in four years and boy did he enjoy the celebration going straight to the corner flag and strutted his stuff.

With minutes to go Lee Sidwell again crossed from the right this time the ball caught the wind and looped over the head of the keeper and hit the top of the crossbar, the ref blow his whistle five nil AFC Wimbledon, a good clean battle by both teams, well done to Cobham for not being like a few other teams we have played recently and rolling around the pitch at any slight touch.

Now all that was left was to get out of the car park and with the scouts gone it took nearly 45 minute to get out, could have played another half and maybe get 3 or 4 more goals as well, will have to be content with the three points.

Team : Ray Merry, Sean Daly, Matt Everard, Dave Towse, Gavin Bolger, Lee Sidwell, Andy Sullivan, Noel Frankum, Neil Robson, Joe Sheerin, Kevin Cooper.

Subs : all used Lee Passmore, Keith Ward, Danny Oakins

Goalscorers : Matt Everard (6), Joe Sheerin (12), Gavin Bolger (52), Andy Sullivan (53), Noel Frankum (75)

Attendance : 990

Friday 07 March 2003
Team announced for Cobham game. Game ON

Terry Eames has named the following players for the away match against Cobham:

Ray Merry, Neil Robson, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Sean Daly, Danny Oakins, Dave Towse, Lee Sidwell, Lee Passmore, Noel Frankum, Gavin Bolger, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Joe Sheerin.

Tomorrow we travel to 14th place Cobham, Cobham are currently on a six match unbeaten run including a 7-1 win over Viking Greenford.

In the match at Kingsmeadow AFC Wimbledon won convincing with a 4-0 victory including a hat-trick from Ali Russell, Ali is still recovering from an injury and wont be available to be pick, but the good news is that he's well on the way to recovery.

The team are currently playing very well, with a solid back four, Gavin Bolgers moved into some good form resulting in a great goal against Feltham last week, up front in the last two games Joe is looking back to his best after his long gaps off and Coops must be looking to get back into scoring mode after not scoring in the last two.

Hope the weather holds out this could be a good day out at the Leg O'Mutton Field, this game is pay on the gate capacity is 2,000 so lets hope its packed.

Saturday 1 March 2003
Feltham 1 AFC Wimbledon 2

What a strange day after driving up to the ground we where told to drive and park behind the stand only to find the car park was an athletics ground, so on parking on the 300 meters line very gently so as not to bump the car in from on the very slippery surface, we made our way to the back of the large stand, it was looking a bit worse for ware from the back, but that was nothing compared to what awaited at the front, to say there was no roof would be wrong, if you stood in the right section you may be covered by one of the girders where the roof used to be.

Then there was the pitch, it was the flattest pitch I've seen this season no bumps, no tractor wheels rut's, no grass, this was Astroturf Loftus road style.

The boys where on the pitch pre match training, coops came over to the sideline and was asked what the pitch was like and replied 'it's all right', the announcer welcomed us all and asked us to make some noise for the teams when they ran out from the hut in the distance, but joked about us not being able to raise the roof.

The game start and the dons seemed to be a bit slow getting used to the bounce, but it wasn't till about the 25 minute before either team had a shot on goal, then on 27 minutes Feltham took the lead when there striker saw Ray Merry off his line and lobbed him from outside the box.

The Dons up the pace a little and on 38 minutes from a corner, Matt Everard came running in from the back of the box to power home a header to equalise for the dons and score his 1st goal for AFC Wimbledon HT 1-1.

The only half time entertainment around was counting how many planes came into land at Heathrow a few miles away one every 45 sec's for the most of the match no noise though, they must have know the dons there in town and just tried to sneak in.

Second half started with torrential rain that went on and off throughout the match, don't know what was said at half time but the dons came out firing on all cylinders Bolger was all over the pitch, the back four where solid, Sully was making good runs in to space, and Coops out jumped the defence and got his head to the ball and on 59 minutes Gavin Bolger showed that anything Feltham could do he could do better when he crested the ball down and volleyed the ball over the Felthams keeper 1-2.

After a fairly good match the ref seemed to lose his way (and watch) a bit this was bared out by giving a goal kick when it was clear that the Feltham keeper had dived and in stopping the ball had pushed it out, the linesman over ruled him and we got a corner, he also booked Joe Sheerin to bouncing the ball to hard after a foul had gone against us, did he not know this was Astroturf balls bounce, ball do nothing but bounce twice as high.

The Feltham dugout also seemed to have got the hump with the ref and a one point one of them was ten yards on the pitch and being pulled back by the 4th official and to other team member to chants from the 1,310 crowd of sit down shut up, but after nearly 10 mins overtime in a clean match, the ref blow the whistle and the Dons had won 2-1 and got 3 more points.

To top off this strange day Cove won again , albeit against Viking Greenford and have reach double points and the mighty wallies lost their unbeaten run with a 1-0 home defeat against in form Raynes Park Vale and strangest of all Withdean played finish a match, but won 2-0 against Southall.

Well done the dons great performance next up Cobham away next week Come on your Dons, One happy afc Womble off to play CM4 demo just bought Glen Mulcaire for 1/2 million playing him upfront with Kevin Cooper of Wolves and Triggers my top scorer how cool.

More good news was Gareth Graham and Ali Russell where both out with the players before the match warming up so we hope to see them back soon.

Team : Ray Merry, Sean Daly, Matt Everard, Dave Towse, Gavin Bolger, Lee Sidwell, Andy Sullivan, Noel Frankum, Neil Robson, Joe Sheerin, Kevin Cooper.

Subs : used Andrew Petty (on 4 K.C), Lee Passmore (on 4 N.F) . not used Ben Garner

Goalscorers : Matt Everard (38), Gavin Bolger (59)

Attendance : 1,310

CM4 Magazine and Demo out.

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