2025/26 Season has begun.. here's the updates of my opinion -
- Peter Slade
- Aug 9, 2025
- 51 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Squad:
Goalkeepers
1 Nathan Bishop Games Played 17 Average Rating = 7.53
20 Joe McDonnell Games Played 1 Average Rating = 7.00
Defenders
2 Nathan Asiimwe Games Played 15 Average Rating = 7.00
3 Steve Seddon Games Played 18 Average Rating = 7.22
5 Sam Hutchinson Games Played 1 Average Rating = 6.00
6 Ryan Johnson Games Played 17 Average Rating = 7.24
15 Patrick Bauer Games Played 7 Average Rating = 7.00
26 Riley Harbottle Games Played 10 Average Rating = 7.30
Left the Club
25 Ethan Sutcliffe Games Played 1 Average Rating = 7.00
31 Joe Lewis Games Played 12 Average Rating = 7.08
33 Isaac Ogundere Games Played 18 Average Rating = 7.67
Midfielders
4 Jake Reeves Games Played 18 Average Rating = 6.67
7 James Tilley Games Played 1 Average Rating = 7.00
8 Callum Maycock Games Played 14 Average Rating = 6.50
12 Allistair Smith Games Played 17 Average Rating = 6.41
18 Delano McCoy-Splatt Games Played 1 Average Rating = 5.00
21 Myles Hippolyte Games Played 16 Average Rating = 7.06
24 Harry Sidwell Out on Loan
29 Aron Sasu Games Played 9 Average Rating = 5.78
37 Zack Nelson Games Played 1 Average Rating = 7.00
Forwarders
7 Danilo Orsi Games Played 13 Average Rating = 6.00
Sold
9 Omar Bugiel Games Played 16 Average Rating = 6.88
10 Josh Kelly Games Played 1 Average Rating = 6.00
Out on Loan
11 Marcus Browne Games Played 15 Average Rating = 7.07
14 Matty Stevens Games Played 11 Average Rating = 6.91
16 Antwoine Hackford Games Played 13 Average Rating = 6.62
19 Osman Foyo Out on Loan
Youngsters
22 Riley Horan Out on Loan
23 Leo Young Out on Loan
27 Ed Leach Out on Loan
30 Junior Nkeng Games Played 2 Average Rating = 7.50
32 Kai Jennings Out on Loan
REFEREES: 7.40
CONTRACTS:
Ending June 2026
Steve Seddon, Jake Reeves, Sam Hutchinson, Callum Maycock,
Omar Bugiel, Josh Kelly, Myles Hippolyte, Leo Young,
Harry Sidwell, Ethan Sutcliffe, Riley Harbottle joined Bristol Rovers,
Aron Sasu, Joe Lewis, Kai Jennings,
Nathan Asiimwe (On Loan from Charlton Athletic)
Ending June 2027
Ryan Johnson Danilo Orsi sold to Crawley Town Marcus Browne
Allistair Smith Matty Stevens Antwoine Hackford (1 Year Ext Option)
Delano McCoy-Splatt Osman Foyo Joe McDonnell
Riley Horan Ed Leach Junior Nkeng Isaac Ogundere,
Ending June 2028
Nathan Bishop
Update #23 - Home spanking...
Thursday 12th March 2026
Many years ago, when I first properly got into football I was going to Brentford regularly in the old Third Division in the 1989/90 season. Early in the season Brentford went away to Blackpool and lost 4-0, this would have been in November of 1989. Towards the end of the season around April 1990 the return fixture came around, and Brentford had improved and was out for revenge. They got it winning 5-0 and I remember Gary Blissett hitting the top corner with the fifth goal. Move onto the Wombles and back on the 4th October Wimbledon went to Blackpool and beat them 2-0 meaning they kept flying high near the top of the table and Blackpool decided to call it a day on their manager Steve Bruce. Who was sacked the next day. Now after a pleasant sunny but chilly day the sun set, and the evening become colder Blackpool plotted their revenge in Southwest London.
Dons 4 V Seasiders 1
Well, it didn’t really go to plan for the seasiders really did it.
Yes, we won and I am over the moon, but this was not a 4-1 game. Nicking two quick goals at the end of the game flattered us as we hung on a bit towards the end after they nicked a surprise goal to halve the deficit when cruising to a comfortable home win. [Wow that sentence was really long wasn’t it!]
Starting really positively again the Dons took a surprise lead around the 10th minute. Well, it was a surprise to me as I wasn’t really paying attention at the time. Blackpool went onto the back foot, and the Dons dominated proceedings until they faded towards the end of the half. At half time I said that I had concerns about the referee having a major cock up in him and waiting for it to happen. It happened and it went in our favour as Browne was held back outside the box. Got into the box went down and got a penalty. 2-0 and cruising to three points. A ball over the top and Bauer paused leaving McDonnell somewhat stranded as Niall Ennis skilfully lifted ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.
The typical panic began to set in, and our strong defence came to the fore as they held firm and then stole a poor pass at the back to a player limping well before the ball was played to him. [What were they thinking?] Nelson stole the ball, burst into the box rounded the keeper and fired the ball into the back of the net. Omar Bugiel tucked in a fourth during the seven minutes of injury time and no I have no idea where that time came from, but we made good use of it didn’t we. 4-1 it finished and a blatant penalty later resulted in a free kick for Blackpool, and I still couldn’t believe it now, all those hours later. Anyway, the home fans went home happy, and the away fans went home when we scored our third of the night. Here’s the player rating:
GK 20 Joe McDonnell 8
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 15 Patrick Bauer 8 (Subbed off 67th min)
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 9 (Subbed off 79th min)
MID 2 Nathan Asiimwe 8
MID 8 Callum Maycock 8
MID 12 Alistair Smith 8
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 9 (Subbed off 92nd min)
MID 3 Steve Seddon 8
STR 14 Matty Stevens 7 (Subbed off 80th min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 9
Substitutes
SUB 4 Jake Reeves Unused
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 8 (Subbed on 80th min)
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford Unused
SUB 18 Delano McCoy-Splatt Unused
STR 30 Junior Nkeng 7 (Subbed on 79th min)
STR 31 Joe Lewis 8 (Subbed on 67th min)
STR 37 Zack Nelson 8 (Subbed on 92nd min)
Officials
Referee (Lee Swabey) 6
Assistants 8
Update #22 - Oh no its the bogey...
Sunday 8th March 2026
Very strange day today Sky Sports having forced us to play a 3pm Saturday game on a Sunday at noon with all the Omen's suggesting an away win. From a bogey team opponent, a kick off at a time we normally lose at, starter keeper out and a few other things which suddenly cannot remember.
Back to Plough Lane we faced the bogie team that is cobblers, sorry I meant Northampton Town. They are a side that we haven’t beaten since 2021, today would be our third encounter with them this season and we all knew what was going to happen.
Dons 1 V Cobblers 0
Well, it didn’t happen so Ner Ner Nah Nah Naaah! We actually dominated the first half and not for a Northampton Town keeper possessed by the ghost of Lev Yashin and defenders throwing Matty Stevens around like The Undertaker did to Mankind. The margin could (or should) have been much bigger than it actually turned out to be. Their defence has always been tough but somehow the referee always seemed to be looking the other way whenever this happened. I don’t think Matty won one foul in the entire game but was man handled like Lisa Sparks throughout the match. The away side was being so overwhelmed they made a tactical sub on the 30-minute mark. The Dons could easily have been two or three to the good by the time the ref blew the half time whistle.
Sadly, half time rolled around, and the second half began with a much more even game commencing. More than once back-up keeper Joe McDonnell was called to the rescue and kept the dons in the lead. More subs came on and even the Dons made 5 count them 1,2,3,4 and 5 substitutes to desperately hold onto the lead which for me personally a very nervous last ten minutes.
There is always something pleasurable about beating Northampton as they play in way that makes beating them more enjoyable. They like to spoil others gameplan and hit on the break but today they were pretty fruitless in the attacking front for most of the game. They fought hard for the chances they did create and on another day they could have won or at least got a point. We could have scored three or four on another day so I guess across the course of many games we were owed one win at least. So I will take this and feel really happy about this win as well.
The bogey team was banished and three points safely in the bag, and 46 points for the season and for my rough calculations two wins away from safety for the season. That said we have two games in hand on the team in the final play off place. With those six points we would be three points behind going into the final ten games to go in the season. It would just be nice to look up rather than down the table. Anyway, here’s my scores for the players today and at some point this week I’ll try and update the averages above.
GK 20 Joe McDonnell 9
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 15 Patrick Bauer 9
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 8
MID 7 James Tilley 9 (Subbed off 65th min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 8
MID 8 Callum Maycock 9 (Subbed off 86th min)
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 8 (Subbed off 71st min)
MID 3 Steve Seddon 8
STR 14 Matty Stevens 8 (Subbed off 71st min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 8 (Subbed off 85th min)
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe Unused
STR 4 Jake Reeves 8 (Subbed on 86th min)
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 8 (Subbed on 71st min)
STR 16 Antwoine Hackford 7 (Subbed on 85th min)
SUB 30 Junior Nkeng Unused
STR 31 Joe Lewis 8 (Subbed on 65th min)
STR 37 Zack Nelson 7 (Subbed on 71st min)
Officials
Referee (Elliott Bell) 6
Assistants 8
Update #21 - We dominated a game!!!
Saturday 21st February 2026
What a thorough and complete performance, probably the most complete and dominant I have seen from a Wombles side for years. I do not wish to understate what a one sided game this was in my opinion it should have been at least four and I’d happy to argue that five or six – one would not have been out of the realms either.
Dons 3 V Bantams 1
My pre-game feelings were simple we were going to be spanked and if we were lucky (I think I said very lucky) we might get a point. I was wrong and so glad of it. The game started and the side pushing for the Championship looked just like it when on the front foot with experienced players causing mayhem across the back five of the dons. This lasted ten minutes when a cross (Sorry James but it was!) went past everyone including Sam Walker in the away sides goal and into the side of the net. The home fans were overjoyed.
From that moment on the Dons searched for a second and on more than one occasion close to doubling the lead. Including a penalty shout. Winning a throw in our own half and seeing an opportunity that no one else in the stadium appeared to see Myles Hippolyte launched the throw straight down the middle of the pitch to find an unmarked Marcus Browne with no one between him and the goal bar the keeper Sam Walker and a desperate defender sprinted back to get a challenge in and the keeper sprinted out to meet him Browne slotted the ball into the back of the net to take a deserved two goal lead into the late break.
Waiting for the backlash from the side fourth in the table at the start of the second half just didn’t happen and it was the Dons back on the front foot looking for a third which came from a well worked passing from Browne and Stevens for the ball to be despatched into the net but the celebration got stuck in the throats of the home faithful as bloody D’Urso stuck his flag up and the goal was chalked off. Shame he wasn’t so quick with the flag when the back three were pushing pulling and changing shirts mid-game and he couldn’t see that or the penalty that also wasn’t given.
OK I will stop moaning and tell you that the third goal came from excellent work from Tilley again working his way into the penalty area to pull the ball back across the six-yard line for panic to ensue across the defence and left the ball at the feet of Matty Stevens who flicked the ball backward into the net and the Dons into a three goal lead.
The Dons went looking for more and the Bantams got it. When substitute Stephen Humphrys run past three defenders who failed to make a challenge and giving him enough space to slide the ball passed Bishop in the Wimbledon net. 3-1 and the clean sheet blotted the Dons looked for a fourth with a 25-yard effort pushed away by the keeper.
The game was done and dusted and a well deserved three points without starts for Omar, Reeves, Lewis and new hotshot Nkeng. A performance to lift the mode and get Plough Lane bouncing again which has been sometime for a feeling like this. Please let see some more like this soon!
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 7 James Tilley 9
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 15 Patrick Bauer 8
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 9
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 8
MID 12 Alistair Smith 9
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 9
MID 8 Callum Maycock 9
STR 14 Matty Stevens 9 (Subbed off 81st min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 9 (Subbed off 81st min)
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe Unused
SUB 4 Jake Reeves Unused
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 8 (Subbed on 81st min)
STR 16 Antwoine Hackford 7 (Subbed on 81st min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 30 Junior Nkeng Unused
SUB 37 Zack Nelson Unused
Officials
Referee (Ross Martin) 6
Assistants 6
Update #20 - Away score draw again...
Sunday 15th February 2026
Well for the second time this season we travelled a long way by car to watch the Dons away initially to tick off one of the grounds from my 92 list. The last time we did this we saw three goals against Nathan Bishop and three against Owen Goodman. This time was completely different as we drove a long way and saw three goals against Nathan Bishop and three against Owen Goodman. See, completely different. Here the review of the day.
Tykes 3 V Dons 3
Travelling up on a Friday night is proving not the greatest option at the moment but it’s cheaper than an Saturday night stay. We finished the final hour of the drive Saturday morning and arrived at the ground to be the first car in the away car park. Little did we know about the exit plan, but more on that late.
Arriving at the ground we took to the stands and had an interesting chat with a couple of fellow Dons fans before we eventually took to our seats. We had the choice of the stand. Safe standing was the decision and then stood for the entire game. Although we thought about leaving twenty minutes later. As Reyes Cleary served himself James Tilley on toast and entered the six-yard box squared the ball back and we were one down with 10 minutes on the clock. Just four minutes later and the same trick worked again as Reyes Cleary was proving to be the key for the goals door. Setting up Bradshaw for his return goal and two zip on the hidden from the away fan’s scoreboard. It’s at this point you start to work out how much cash and time you’d put into this day.
We shouldn’t have worried as a little change moving Tilley further up and letting Isaac Ogundere doing the ‘mark Clearly’ duties. Suddenly we looked like attacking and many around us believed we had score (we hadn’t) however the wait was short as Omar Bugiel deft header halved the deficit. Then less than two minutes later he had redirected a shot straight into the next and within a blink of an eye it was all square.
Half time arrived with the score 2-2. More goals were coming and both sides look to sneak a winner. It was the Dons that took it through stunning work from Callum Maycock who drew the whole Tykes defence only to square it to Marcus Brown who slotted home the winner with just 16 minutes remaining on the clock.
It turns out that the script had not been given to the home side at half time as they grew back into the game and a shot well saved fell kindly for Scott Banks who hammered the equaliser home with three plus extras remaining. Barnsley took that as using all six remaining minutes to pile on wave after wave of attack of attack to gain the two additional points.
The Dons defence held firm for a point which could have been three or none and another day. A 3-3 draw was probably the fair result as both teams would be thinking what could have been. A win! And then realise they could have just as easily been defeated.
The game was done. We walked back up the hill and out of breath I got back in the car and drove the only way out I could go, to find the road closed to allow people, HOME FANS! To walk safely across the road and back into town we had to sit and just wait before even starting the three plus hours journey home. However as they say a point is a point away from home must be seen as a good point gained. Here's the scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 9
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 9
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 7
MID 7 James Tilley 6
MID 8 Callum Maycock 9
MID 12 Alistair Smith 8
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 7 (Subbed off 86th min)
MID 30 Junior Nkeng 8 (Subbed off 75th min)
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 9
STR 11 Marcus Browne 8 (Subbed off 87th min)
Substitutes
STR 2 Nathan Aiimwe 7 (Subbed on 75th min)
SUB 4 Jake Reeves Unused
SUB 14 Matty Stevens Unused
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
STR 16 Antwoine Hackford 7 (Subbed on 87th min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
STR 37 Zack Nelson 7 (Subbed on 86th min)
Officials
Referee (Charles Breakspear) 6
Assistants 8
Update #19 - We won a game!!!
Saturday 7th February 2026
We actually won a fucking game!! We actually had shots on targets and more importantly we scored more than twice in a match of football. I believe I woke up early and accidently stepped into the Twilight Zone. This cannot be real can it? We have taken six points off a club once when we were up and the opposition was in a mess. Then again when those situations were completely reversed. Today we looked like a team. I mean one that have actually met each other before and had some kind of a clue what each other might do. OK we could thank their keeper for two of our goals but we can breeze over that.
Dons 3 V Royals 2
The Dons were buzzing right from the kick off and scored in the seventh minute and then switched the lights off and decided to go for an early night. It was all Reading until their equaliser in the 33rd minute. Then surprisingly the game evened out again with either side potentially nicking a second before half time. After half time the game could have gone either way but the Dons definitely grew in confidence and started to take the game to the opposition and were gifted a golden chance which they took to move ahead in the game again. The Royals came back and scored from a corner when it looked like the lead would be extended. The Dons roared back and took a third lead with 19 minutes remaining. Desperation set in but the wombles held on to claim the first home three points since September. The first win in nine games felt like it was never going to happen but it has and I still have things to moan about but I will leave that for another time. You'll see that in the scores and work it out yourself. Here are the scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 7 James Tilley 7
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 9
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 7
DEF 30 Junior Nkeng 8 (Subbed off 91 min)
MID 8 Callum Maycock 7 (Subbed off 72nd min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 4
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 7
STR 11 Marcus Browne 9 (Subbed off 87th min)
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 7 (Subbed off 87th min)
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe Unused
SUB 4 Jake Reeves Unused
STR 14 Matty Stevens 7 (Subbed off 87th min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer 7 (Subbed on 91st min)
STR 16 Antwoine Hackford 7 (Subbed on 87th min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 37 Zack Nelson 7 (Subbed on 76th min)
Officials
Referee (Dale Baines) 4
Assistants 5
Update #18 - OK I am still ***king angry...
Saturday 31st January 2026
Here we are again with another Saturday afternoon ruined by a home defeat, and I’ve already called the next four games at home as well. Today I left angry and frustrated again but with a referee that was poor at best and an inability to have a single shot on target yet again. That I will cover all three points above (hopefully, I won’t forget).
Dons 0 V Trotters 1
It was another Saturday going to a game feeling like it was an obligation or a duty more than enjoyment and it hasn’t felt like that in a while. No points are expected from the next four home games against Bolton Wanderers, Reading, Bradford City, and Stockport County. Stockport County. That could just be my sourer/sober thoughts after a painful week with a bad tooth and a swollen face. That said my predicted home loss came true after a breakaway goal with a suspicious goal which in live action looked well offside. On replay I am not convinced it was offside but also believe if we had VAR at this level, it would have chalked it off. That said within the first few minutes the away side performed there first booking offence. They went on to make at least four more booking offences which saw them pick up one yellow card in the entire game. Sam Dalby pushed, shoved, pulled shirts and won a few headers cleanly, the first time a whistle was blow for a foul by him was in the 90th minute. I cannot believe this. I have had dodgy offside decisions given against us come home watch it again and go ok I didn’t have the angle and I was wrong. This time I might be wrong but the fact we got so little decisions from this official annoyed me beyond belief.
A strong physical side was always going to be tough to break down but second half we gave it a good go. We have a side bulging with players prepared to run at defenders but then get ignored by a referee when thrown out the way WWE style. It was ridiculous the number of fouls Nkeng took second half before the whistle blew. It’s a shame we were never shown the same consideration. We huff and puffed but so many times this season failed to actually test the keeper who looked pretty poor at times but just frustration into more frustration so again leaving was just angry. Nothing really would cheer me up to be honest.
The run of home games coming up for us means the 8 games without a win could easily become 11 games without a home win and its now one win in the last fourteen league games which is relegation form and the rumours are that we have no money and are just raking up debt so we could be in deeper shit than we all think. Time will tell but we will have to wait and see.
Footballing wise we have an away game at Port Vale before the home game with Reading and an away trip to Barnsley and Cardiff City to follow that. Then Bradford City which will make points a premium and extremely difficult to gain any and I am not convinced that not getting any shots on target will ever work to get points on the board. On average 45 points is enough to stay safe in League 1, for me 51 points has always been the target I’ve suggested unless you want to risk it. Which means that with 19 move points we would be safe! With 19 games remaining that’s a point a game to be safe. Possible? Yes, but is currently miles away from where we need to be. Anyway here’s the players scores from today -
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 2 Nathan Asiimwe 6 (Subbed off HT)
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 7
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 7
DEF 7 James Tilley 7
MID 4 Jake Reeves 5 (Subbed off 79th min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6
MID 8 Callum Maycock 8 (Subbed off 72nd min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 7 (Subbed off 78th min)
STR 16 Antwoine Hackford 7 (Subbed off 66th min)
Substitutes
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 6 (subbed on 78th min)
STR 14 Matty Stevens 6 (Subbed off 66th min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 21 Myles Hippolyte 7 (Subbed on 79th min)
STR 30 Junior Nkeng 8 (Subbed on at HT)
SUB 37 Zack Nelson 7 (Subbed on 72nd min)
Officials
Referee (Jacob Miles) 3
Assistants 3
Update #17 - Today I am angry...
Saturday 17th January 2026
Today I am angry we have lost again to a side near the bottom of the table and I think I am angry because I had deluded myself into thinking we are actually alright this season and looking at a possible Play-Off run but sitting neatly in the table. That mask slipped completely off and I fully realised we are in a relegation battle. There is no way to dress this up and kid myself anymore. We are in the brown stuff and cannot keep shaking off the results as one off's or against the flow. No the fucking flow is downward and we are having the typical League One nose dive after the bright start. Always the same.
Dons 0 V Donny 1
This is my take on today's game. We were the better side and should have won this comfortably. However chance after chance didn't happen and like I have said many times this season we didn't take chances well I am fed up with saying it. We do not have a front line that can score goals so something has to change. That could just be fortune but we have to score goals to get points and we simply aren't doing that. Its not like its a surprise. Here is our home league record since the 27th September 2025..
P W D L F A Pts
7 0 3 4 2 6 3
For those slow with maths means 2 goals in seven games. From a possible 21 points we picked up 3. If that isn't relegation form I do not know what is. This is now a relegation battle and please do not dress it up as anything else. We ain't good enough to keep clean sheets anymore and we are damned shit at scoring at the moment. We are in the shit and it pisses me off. I wish I could write something positive but I am so fed up with watching this dross its untrue. Week in week out at fortress Plough Lane we are poor at best and shit most of the time and my patience has completely expired now. I go in hope now never expecting a victory or even a positive result.
This season is now a battle that I convinced myself wasn't the case but it definitely is. Oh and for the record we are two points above the relegation line. Here's the players scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 5
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 7
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 6
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 8
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 6
MID 4 Jake Reeves 5
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6
MID 11 Marcus Browne 7 (Subbed off 90 min)
MID 8 Callum Maycock 5 (Subbed off 67th min)
MID 30 Junior Nkeng 6 (Subbed off 86th min)
STR 14 Matty Stevens 5 (Subbed off 66th min)
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe Unused
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 5 (subbed on 86th min)
STR 15 Patrick Bauer 5 (Subbed on 90th min)
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford 6 (Subbed on 66th min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 21 Myles Hippolyte 7 (Subbed on 67th min)
SUB 28 Amari Sealey Unused
Officials
Referee (Jacob Miles) 5
Assistants 4
Update #16 - Panic over, everything is fine again...
Thursday 1st January 2026
Are the festivities all completed? Because it felt like a different Dons took to the field today away in East London to take on Leyton Orient. A side who I didn't realise wasn't in the play-off places who must have done the same as us and dropped down the league as they were on the same points as us. Going to a ground I have not yet attended before taking MY tally to 76 and ticking off the closest ground on my hit-list. To be replaced by AFC Bournemouth. Travelling to the game not in expectation but definitely in hope. Things started badly as with Orients first attack of note we were a goal down and looking awful again.
The O's 1 V Dons 3
The game definitely changed and I will always admit if I am wrong. Again no idea what the formation was, defo looked like a 4-4-2 with Jono and Lewis centre backs. Isaac and Seddon left and right backs. A diamond in midfield with Reeve's at the base and Maycock attacking behind the front two of Browne and Bugiel. I was moaning before the start and was completely f**ked off when their first attack hit the back of the net. What the hell was the thinking?!? Change the formation for this game. Unlike in the previous game there was not the panic of changing things which probably because we equalised before half time. This came via an own goal when the Dons were pressurising the home goal. We actually looked quite tidy defensively and attacking we looked a threat as well.
This grew in the second half and the visitors looked strong at the back and a threat going forward with Hippolyte sweet left foot squeezing just inside the far post to take the Dons into a deserved lead. The coup de grâce came with five minutes remaining and a sweetly struck free kick from Marcus Browne straight into the back of the host's net. Cue the away end burst into celebration and the home end evacuated. The result was sealed and the 9 game losing run was at an end.
Now how glorious and happy this win made us all feel, it doesn't solve all the issues we find ourselves in. I really hope this is the turning point and we can return to the bitch to beat team that started the season. That's what I would love to see and that would leave us in great standing for the rest of the season. Here's the player scores.
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 8 (Subbed off 80th min)
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 8
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 8
MID 4 Jake Reeves 7
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6
MID 8 Callum Maycock 7
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 9
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 6 (Subbed off 80th min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 8
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe Unused
SUB 7 Danilo Orsi Unused
STR 14 Matty Stevens 7 (Subbed off 63rd min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer 7 (Subbed off 63rd min)
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford Unused
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 30 Junior Nkeng Unused
Officials
Referee (Ben Atkinson) 6
Assistants 7
Update #15 - R Bottle? Concerns raise to the surface?
Tuesday 30th December 2025
Lets hope the festive period ends soon and we can go back to that doggied tough to beat, compete for a play off spot side that started the season. Because we have a timid, toothless, devoid of attacking ideas bunch week-in week-out. Every season there is a team that starts well and drops. Right now that's us at home to a team with one away win all season on a poor run (not as bad as ours mind) travel to London and do a right number on us.
Dons 0 V Grecians 1
When JJ runs into a panic he changes formation I remember the away game at Mansfield where we had at least four different set ups to lose 5-2 I think it was. Tonight we started with Sasu and Bugiel up front which in fairness needed a change and all Sasu did was got body checked to the ground when clear through (no foul) and then get taken out in the 29th minutes. From there we were awful the cohesion went. We couldn't pass, throw the ball, catch, talk, it was like keystone cops or Billy Smarts Circus had taken over. So the inevitable came in the 37th minute when left back Seddon gets beaten on a cross. Centre back Johnson slips over (again - at least twice a match at the moment) Other centre back Lewis isn't anywhere near the forward who loops a header smartly into the back of the net. Losing at home at half time.
PANIC!!!
Half time forward Hackford comes on for right back Asiimwe. What formation are we playing. Your guess is as good as mine. We equalise but is chalked off for no good reason. How do I know that it was the wrong decision because it doesn't go in the 'official' highlights that are realised when official make a tight decision correction especially ruling out a goal they get included. This has been happening for years. If you want to see that goal again you will need to search it out yourself. I think they put it down to a foul on the keeper. I couldn't see it myself. The ref was in their pocket and got played for the rest of the game. We couldn't stop that but with a better side, well with more confidence in ourself we win that game at a canter. We didn't and now we need the bottle for a relegation battle coming. Simply tonight we were not good enough. Here's the players scores now I am starting to lose patience.
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 7
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 7
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 6
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 6
MID 2 Nathan Asimwe 5 (Subbed off at HT)
MID 8 Callum Maycock 6 (Subbed off 63rd min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6 (Subbed off 87th min)
MID 4 Jake Reeves 5
MID 3 Steve Seddon 6
STR 14 Matty Stevens 6 (Subbed off 63rd min)
STR 29 Aron Sasu 5 (Subbed off 28 min)
Substitutes
SUB 7 Danilo Orsi 5 (subbed on 87th min)
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 6 (subbed on 63rd min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 7 (Subbed on 28th min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford 6 (Subbed on at HT)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 21 Myles Hippolyte 7 (Subbed on 63rd min)
Officials
Referee (Jacob Miles) 5
Assistants 4
Update #14 - R Battle? too soon to say?
Sunday 28th December 2025
For the second home game in a row we drew 0-0 with both sides managing a single shot on target each. The away side dominated the total number of shots with eleven compared to five for the home side. In comparing to the last game there was an element of entertainment with this game. Here is a brief report and a look at the bigger picture.
Dons 0 V Boro 0
The game started with the side in the top four dominating possession and looking for an early opening. It didn't happen through good defending, poor shooting and a bit of luck. This would flip as the Dons exerted their own pressure for the next fifteen minutes or so. The first half evened out and the second half followed in the same vein. The game could have gone in either direction which in the end stayed even and goalless. We did have a uniform cheer for the entrance of Matty Stevens seeing the first action again at home. He made little impact on the pitch in comparison to the expectation on the terraces.
The question I have is when do we talk aloud about being in a relegation battle? We cannot hide away from the fact the last league win we had was back in October. That was on the 18th October and seen a string of results as follows:
Home - Loss to Burton Albion 0-1
Home - Loss to Gateshead 0-2 in the FA Cup
Away - Loss to Peterborough United 0-5
Home - Loss to Wigan Athletic 1-2
Away - Draw with Huddersfield Town 3-3
Away - Loss to Exeter City 0-1
Home - Draw with Mansfield Town 0-0
Away - Loss to Northampton Town 1-3
Home - Draw with Stevenage 0-0
Yes I have excluded the two wins in the Vertu Trophy as no one really cares about that tournament but the above is a poor showing in FA Cup and League action and everyone must be desperate for that first win and get back to the early season form that started the campaign on such a positive feeling that has slowly wilted away. From nearly being top to now being 7 points adrift of the play-off places and just four above the relegation line. As fans we are definitely looking down rather than up when checking out the table. This hideous run needs to come to an end if nerves need to settle as its going to get worse rather than better if this run continues.
Here's the players scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 8
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 8
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 8
MID 2 Nathan Asimwe 7 (subbed off 80th min)
MID 8 Callum Maycock 8 (subbed off 68th min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6
MID 4 Jake Reeves 6 (subbed off 64th min)
MID 3 Steve Seddon 7
STR 9 Omar Bugiel 6 (subbed off 80th min)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 7
Substitutes
SUB 7 Danilo Orsi Unused
SUB 14 Matty Stevens 6 (Subbed on 80th Min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford 6 (Subbed on 80th Min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 21 Myles Hippolyte Unused
SUB 29 Aron Sasu 6 (Subbed on 68th Min)
Officials
Referee (David Rock) 6
Assistants 8
Update #13 - Shortest report ever... Ready?
Saturday 13th December 2025
First half -> A wayward Smith path puts the stags clear one on one with Bishop which he makes a fantastic save. A Seddon volley rattles the crossbar then Johnson heads a chance over the bar. Mansfield score but referee blows up for a foul before it hits the net. Then a return to... the monkey
We moved into the second half and second half substitute Omar Bugiel crosses the half way line and hit a shot from 35 yards out that bounced a few times before the keeper gathered it.
Done
Dons 0 V Stags 0
Here's the players scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 7
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 7
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 8
MID 2 Nathan Asimwe 6 (subbed off 82nd min)
MID 8 Callum Maycock 6
MID 12 Alistair Smith 6
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 7 (subbed off 64th min)
MID 3 Steve Seddon 7
STR 11 Marcus Browne 6
STR 7 Danilo Orsi 5 (subbed off 64th min)
Substitutes
SUB 4 Jake Reeves 6 (Subbed on 78th Min)
SUB 5 Sam Hutchinson Unused
SUB 9 Omar Bugiel 8 (Subbed on 63rd Min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 26 Riley Harbottle Unused
SUB 30 Junior Nkeng 7 (Subbed on 63rd Min)
Officials
Referee (Elliot Bell) 6
Assistants 8
Update #12 - Most disrespectful bunch of...
Sunday 30th November 2025
On a not so cold (for the time of year) but definitely wet weekend we travelled for 5 hours up to Huddersfield for me to discover the Millwall of the North. Disrespectful, arrogant and the team weren't much good either. For a team that dropped into League from the Championship last season the expectation around the place was that they were simply too good for this league. Unfortunately the table says differently.
Terriers 3 V Dons 3
Shitty weather didn't deter the spirits we drove up the night before and it was a horrid journey. But we arrived and stayed in a comfie hotel, awakening rested and well fed we headed to the ground (via Tesco's but that's not important). Parked up paying Championship prices for the privilege. Getting to the ground and walking in it was very pretty. Brightly lit shinning like a beacon fitting for the Premier League (shame). The program without a Wimbledon logo in it, Also didn't have any team news of the visitors. It did however have a slagging off of how we came to be from the MK Scum point of view. Strange that they would bother unless they wished to annoy us.
It worked for the team as after weathering an attacking storm for the first twenty minutes some (Alan Partridge) liquid football from a deflected long ball from Lewis. Brought instantly under control from Orsi who slotted in Seddon who found Brown in aches of space in the box who passed the ball into the net with a single touch. Suddenly the loud supportive home crowd went very quiet and those next to us turned their attention towards the away fans. The game was going on but they were no longer interested they wanted to antagonise the away faithful. Half time arrived to derogatory moans from the home faithful **cough**
They didn't have to wait long as seconds into the second half the equaliser came. It was up the far end so I ain't going to describe it. Suddenly the noise level went up and I discovered a little teenage fan club who singled me out for abuse. They stopped looking and giving me hand gestures, 3 minutes later when the Dons retook the lead from a free kick that Goodman saved back across the goal for Orsi to tap in. I couldn't get their attention. I cupped my ear but I couldn't hear them either.
They got another equaliser and my little boy gang suddenly wanted my attention again. They got it as Johnson headed another free kick passed Goodman and into the third lead of the game. They went back to hand gestures and so did I. Holding up two fingers on one and and three on the others.
The home faithful streamed out on the stroke of the 85th minute they equalised a minute later. Then moaned at our timewasting as we pushed for a fourth and they went into panic mode at the back. Wave after wave of attacks resulted in corner after corner. No avail as the winner was denied and we had to be happy with a point. Which before kick-off we would have taken but leading three times and not winning may be a bit frustrating.
It reminded me of Millwall with home fans interested in us the away fans and not supporting their own team. I thought this was a sport but those that treat it more have no empathy for others in their situation is beyond me. Maybe that's why they have slipped down two division when they could have had it all. A few years back, they were something now they are not and scrapping with us, Stevenage, Wycombe and Northampton. Enjoy it as your arrogance will keep you down here until you sober up and smell the coffee.
Here's the scores for our players
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 6
DEF 2 Nathan Asiimwe 6 (subbed off 87th min (26)
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 8
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 7
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 9
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 8
MID 12 Alistair Smith 7
MID 4 Jake Reeves 6 (subbed off 86th min (5)
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 6 (subbed off 74th min (21)
STR 7 Danilo Orsi 9 (subbed off 74th min (9)
STR 11 Marcus Browne 8 (subbed off 74th min (29)
Substitutes
SUB 5 Sam Hutchinson 6 (Subbed on 86th Min)
SUB 8 Callum Maycock 5 (Subbed on 74th Min)
SUB 9 Omar Bugiel 8 (Subbed on 74th Min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
SUB 26 Riley Harbottle 7 (Subbed on 87th Min)
SUB 29 Aron Sasu 5 (Subbed on 74th Min)
Officials
Referee (Scott Oldham) 8
Assistants 9
Update #11 - Wet Windy Horrid & that wasn't just the weather!!
Saturday 22nd November 2025
Its been a while since I have seen the Dons and its been a horrid run of four defeats in the league and FA Cup but a glorious 2-1 away to Bromley in the first round of the Pizza, Car sellers, can't find a sponsor till we are half way through pointless cup (till the final!). Which hasn't really brightened anything for me. We headed into the game with mixed feelings some were optimistic others like myself pessimistic. Sadly I was right in this dower affair. Had more frills when a power surge cut all the power to the ground. Cutting off the pa, music, lights, score board, floodlights and advertising. It was eerily quiet without tunes and all that could be heard were people chatting echoing around the stadium.
Dons 1 V The Latics 2
The yawn monkey returned for the first half and I cannot be asked to mention the one clear chance we had. So moving swiftly onto the second as the Dons started with a real purpose and finally looked like the home side looking for a goal. It of course came to nothing after about 10 minutes. Given up all hope the game evened out and it started to appear like a weather winning dull 0-0 draw was coming.
None of it as Alistair Smith scored one of the ugliest goals I could remember as the Dons edged themselves into the lead in the seventieth minute. Right then all done and dusted lets play out the rest of the game and maybe get another on the break.
This did not happen as a 18 year old comes off the bench and fires a free kick into the back of the dons net seven minutes later. Then to add salt to the disappointing wound. He doubled Wigan's score-line with a well taken goal with three minutes remaining in regulation. The usual huffing and puffing came to nothing and the Dons lose at home again. With the mighty Huddersfield Town looming on the horizon. Another tough fixture full stop let alone with the dire form we take with us up the M1 for the clash in a weeks time.
Here's the players scores:
GK 1 Nathan Bishop 7
DEF 33 Isaac Ogundere 6
DEF 31 Joe Lewis 7
DEF 6 Ryan Johnson 6
DEF 3 Steve Seddon 6
MID 4 Jake Reeves 6
MID 29 Aron Sasu 5 (subbed off 63rd min)
MID 12 Alistair Smith 7
MID 21 Myles Hippolyte 7
MID 11 Marcus Browne 6 (subbed off 78th min)
STR 7 Danilo Orsi 5 (subbed off 63rd min)
Substitutes
SUB 2 Nathan Asiimwe 6 (Subbed on 78th Min)
SUB 5 Sam Hutchinson Unused
SUB 8 Callum Maycock Unused
SUB 9 Omar Bugiel 6 (Subbed on 63rd Min)
SUB 15 Patrick Bauer Unused
SUB 16 Antwoine Hackford 6 (Subbed on 63rd Min)
SUB 20 Joe McDonnell Unused
Officials
Referee (Richard Eley) 7
Assistants 7
Update #10 - Wow Was Update 9's Title Wrong!!
Sunday 2nd November 2025
The FA Cup finally began we a nice easy tie against National League side Gateshead about half the usual attendance could be bothered to come and watch and those that didn't come along I am so jealous. Anyway here's many negative words to describe yesterdays outing.
Dons 0 V The Heed 2
No monkey's today as we got off to a flier with chance after chance raining down on the opposition goal. Is a sentence I would have loved to begun with unfortunately the first shot on target happened in the 34th minute. The Dons were already a goal down by then. It was against the run of play maybe but my, it was a cracking break and a sweet finish into the bottom corner. Bishop had no chance and the defence were chasing shadows. This set the pattern of play to be followed for most of the game. The Dons huffing and puffing and the away side breaking with pace and terrifying the three centre backs. After a few boos and general silence greeting the half-time whistle. The pattern continued in the second half where the home sides panic steadily increased as time ticked away and the visitors added a second after another good effort was saved by Bishop and no defenders followed up it got what it deserved getting spanked into the back of the net.
Now on another day I would complain about the lack of penalties given by the referee and the handball in the build up to the second goal. The shirt pulling being ignored and all the timewasting going unpunished but honestly I am upset with us more than them. If you are 2 up away to someone 57 places above you in the league you would deploy all the dark arts you could to try and get away with it to kill the game off. People were leaving as early as the 80th minute and there was half the usual amount to start with. Chalk this up to a bad NO scrap that make it a shit day at the office and move onto trying the fix the league form as come Tuesday we could/should have no more interest of cup competitions for the season. Here's the awful player scores:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 6,
3- Seddon 4,
4- Reeves 5,
6- Johnson 4,
8- Maycock 3,
9- Bugiel 4,
12- Smith 4,
16- Hackford 5,
26- Harbottle 4,
29- Sasu 4,
31- Lewis 5,
SUBS -
2- Asiimwe /, Unused sub
5- Hutchinson /, Unused sub
7- Orsi 3, On for (#9) Bugiel - HT
11- Browne 5, On for (#8) Maycock - 59 min
15- Bauer /, Unused sub
18- McCoy-Splatt 5, On for (#12) Smith - 79 min
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
21- Hippolyte 5, On for (#16) Hackford - 59 min
33- Ogundere 6, On for (#26) Harbottle -HT
Match Official
Referee 7, [Aaron Farmer]
Assistants 6,
Update #9 - From the highs to the worst!!
Saturday 25th October 2025
Back to Plough Lane with the opportunity of going top of the table with a win and a Stevenage and Bradford draw elsewhere in the country. With struggling Burton Albion coming into town everything was set for a mouth watering victory with plenty to smile about. If you know the Dons the way I know the Dons then you could have predicted the performance today.
Dons 0 V The Brewers 1
We had another monkey of a first half.
Which only livened up when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Browne in the box. This was taken by Bugiel who put it low to the keepers right who palmed the shot away. It bounced back out to an onrushing forward who hit the post and was cleared away.
No shots on target beyond the penalty. The crucial moment occurred when the Brewers winger bought a freekick flopping on the floor, but I am not complaining about that really or the referee who was consistent throughout the game. The free kick was a peach and Hartridge’s beat everyone and went straight into the top right corner. Of the home net.
To prove a point the Dons first shot on target from play happened in the final 10 minutes of the 90. They quickly followed it with another but despite huffing and puffing defeat was the final verdict and zip-oh points for the first time in a while.
The chance to go top was gone and the season still seems positive so far although another of missed chances after working really hard to get the opportunity in the first place. We had some players out but really not many. Today is a game we should be winning and one that could become crucial come the end of the season.
But if you are any kind of Dons fan you get used to saying hey-ho we go again and see you all next week.
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 7,
2- Asiimwe 7,
3- Seddon 8,
4- Reeves 6,
6- Johnson 6,
9- Bugiel 6,
11- Browne 6,
12- Smith 6,
15- Bauer 6,
21- Hippolyte 6,
33- Ogundere 7,
SUBS -
5- Hutchinson /, Unused sub
7- Orsi 6, On for (#9) Bugiel - 76 min
8- Maycock /, Unused sub
16- Hackford 6, On for (#21) Hippolyte - 60 min
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
26- Harbottle 6, On for (#15) Bauer - 61 min
29- Sasu 7, On for (#2) Asiimwe - 60 min
Match Official
Referee 8, [Ben Atkinson]
Assistants 7,
Update #8 - High Five!
Saturday 11th October 2025
We returned to Plough Lane after a period of away games punctuated with the sacking of the last team's manager we beat. Namely Blackpool and Steve Bruce who was close to the chopping block before we beat them 2-0. Meaning we came into today's action on the crest of a wave of four wins on the bounce a feat not achieved since 2021. Facing a physically strong and skillful Port Vale side who had turned a poor start to the season around and was looking up the table.
Dons 1 V The Valiants 1
From a Wimbledon point of view there are few ways to describe the first half action for the Wombles.
Dominated by the Valiants with lots of pressure and half chances created although the Dons keeper never really needed to make a save. They did hit the crossbar and had all the play, just never the clinical edge required to break down the organised Womble defence. The Dons finally managed to get into the opposition penalty area at the 30 minute mark. Then went straight back in there again two minutes later and nearly stole the lead. Things evened out but not neither keeper needed to make a save before the half time intermission.
The second half started with a bang as both sides started like they had just had a rocket from the respective managers. The Dons were on top for the first 10 minutes and Port Vale slowly wrestled control away from the home side building pressure again. It evened out after that and chances were had at both ends. Finally to my relief Danilo Orsi was removed and replaced by Antwoine Hackford. He found himself some space inside the penalty area so bang the ball home on 72 minutes.
The game changes and things became more frantic for the away side and defending became more assured and the Dons looked comfortable. Ready to play out a home win. The Valiants were not done and as I moaned about the foul on Allistair Smith Vale continued playing and despite a great save from Bishop the ball was pushed to Andy Cole's son who lashed it home with four minutes left on the clock to level the score. Watching back Allistair was not fouled or even touched he simply fell over and left the ball for the opposition. The score was level and that's how it finished.
Port Vale have been one of the best teams I have seen in the last two seasons (well this one and the last) and they probably deserved the win but that said the Dons defence deserves massive credit against a good side who will be up there come the end of the season. However, we are there now and looking solid to hold off the barrage from the chasing pack at least for a few weeks. Here's the scores:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 9,
2- Asiimwe 7,
3- Seddon 7,
4- Reeves 9,
7- Orsi 6,
9- Bugiel 8,
11- Browne 7,
12- Smith 6,
15- Bauer 9,
26- Harbottle 9,
33- Ogundere 8,
SUBS -
5- Hutchinson /, Unused sub
8- Maycock 7, On for (#11) Browne - 77 min
16- Hackford 8, On for (#7) Orsi - 67 min
17- Hughes /, Unused sub
18- McCoy-Splatt /, Unused sub
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
29- Sasu /, Unused sub
Match Official
Referee 9, [Carl Brook]
Assistants 9,
Update #7 - Breathe Held...
Saturday 27th September 2025
Here we are a fortnight since the last home and the last game I attended. We were back at the lovely Cherry Red Records Stadium. OK I never call it that I call it Plough Lane as that what it should be called. Today we faced the villains that were Wycombe Wanderers that a few seasons ago would dive and kick their way through this league and got promoted to the Championship with our (not theirs) Adebayo Akinfenwa. OK he achieved more with them than us but I am biased.
Sorry I digress, today we played Wanderers who had started to fix their poor start to the season with two wins on the bounce they came into town and found a Wimbledon side that decided to put in their best performance for a half this season and may be last season as well. Here a match summary:
Dons 2 V The Chairboys 1
As already mentioned the Dons started like a rocket with a shot flying past the post. This was rapidly followed by Myles Hippolyte beating the offside trap and having a free run at goal with just the keeper to beat slotting the ball past the post. 0-0 and I for one were concerned that missed chances would come back to haunt us. A free kick broke the deadlock curled in by the superb Steve Seddon and flicked into the bottom corner of the goal by the head of Omar Bugiel. If this wasn't enough Steve Seddon scored the second goal of the day while Bugiel returned the favour by setting up Seddon's strike. It was all Dons for the rest of the half and it could or should have been more. It wasn't and half time was a very comfortable 2-0 scoreline.
Second half started like the teams had swapped shirts. It was all Wanderers they piled on the pressure and the Wombles had a terrible storm to weather. I thought they had done so when the knees of Ewan Henderson looped the ball over everyone including Johnson on the goal-line who seemed to wave the ball in thinking it was going wide. The Chairboys had their reply and more importantly the motivation to seek more from the game.
Much more fired up the away side looked the better from then to the end of the game. Wimbledon broke and created chances from set plays but the traffic was predominantly going in the other direction. The equaliser never came although the away fans may argue that they had the ball in the net but what I saw was the lino give us the throw and then freeze in place while Wycombe take the throw and then go onto score. They went on to score but he did not move. When the ref finally caught up with him the throw was reversed and the goal ruled out and the game continued. Nothing too dramatic for Bishop to do in the home sides goal and the game finished 2-1. The Dons moved up to 4th briefly until the other games finished a few hours later and they now sit 6th and within the play-off places which ten games in is amazing. However there is still a long, long way to go and many more tough tests await us.
Oh nearly forgot the scores for the players:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 8,
2- Asiimwe 6,
3- Seddon 9,
4- Reeves 8,
6- Johnson 7,
9- Bugiel 9,
12- Smith 8,
14- Stevens 7,
21- Hippolyte 6,
31- Lewis 7,
33- Ogundere 8,
SUBS -
7- Orsi 5, On for (#9) Bugiel - 76min
8- Maycock 7, On for (#21) Hippolyte - 68 min
15- Bauer 7, On for (#31) Lewis - 91 min
18- McCoy-Splatt /, Unused sub
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
26- Harbottle /, Unused sub
29- Sasu /, Unused sub
Match Official
Referee 8, [Scott Jackson]
Assistants 8,
Update #6 - Retribution...
Saturday 13th September 2025
For what seems an age and 4 defeats on the bounce we were back at Plough Lane for a home league game. We faced a former Championship club in Rotherham United a team that I think beat us the last time I went to see them play us. Today was a very game to that one...
Dons 2 V Millers 1
The retribution was that of the player that scored with less than 10 minutes to go in the first half to give Rotherham the lead, gave it very large to the home fans and we had to be patient for the retribution. It came in the second half as he was busy wrestling our forward to the ground another defender had Johnson in a headlock equally performing WWE moves. With his protest going on non-listening ears it was his protest that gave me such joy today. The penalty was scored and turned out to be the winning goal after a sublime finish with the outside of his boot from outside the box from Jake Reeves 17 minutes earlier.
He was later bundled over and stayed down waiting for some response from the referee when none came he got up and hobbled toward the ref to complain. When the referee just walked past him the rather bad limp he had miraculously disappeared as he turned to follow him. Walking perfectly fine.
I was particularly pleased with this win as they deployed the dark-arts from minute one. I can live with physical but don't complain when it comes back at you and definitely do not dive all over the place whinging and whining about no whistles when you are giving it the full elbows and antagonistically play the game in that style. The phrase is those that play by the sword etc etc. Well pleased we beat them and I would love a double in the away leg but that is a long long way away.
Nice, short and sweet today and here's the players scores from me:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 8,
2- Asiimwe 8,
3- Seddon 8,
4- Reeves 9,
6- Johnson 8,
9- Bugiel 8,
12- Smith 7,
14- Stevens 8,
15- Bauer 7,
21- Hippolyte 8,
33- Ogundere 8,
SUBS -
7- Orsi 7, On for (#14) Stevens - 88min
8- Maycock 8, On for (#21) Hippolyte - 80 min
16- Hackford 7, On for (#9) Bugiel - 80min
18- McCoy-Splatt /, Unused sub
19- Foyo /, Unused sub
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
26- Harbottle 8, On for (#15) Bauer - 63 mins
Match Official
Referee 8, [Lee Swabey]
Assistants 8,
Update #5- First defeat report this season
Sunday 23rd August 2025
For the first time this season I am reporting on a Dons defeat and nobody appears to care. The players tried but weren’t that fussed, the fans didn’t bother turning up or cheering or singing, the management chose second string and youth players and just a general apathy around everything and the Dons didn’t bother that much either.
Royals 2 V Dons 1
Away at the empty shell that was the Select Car Leasing Stadium the home of Reading FC the team that are in the hat for the third round of the Carabao Cup the Dons bow out despite from my point of view spending much of the first half and plenty of the second in command but what we were guilty of was the same as Reading in the League encounter just a few weeks back. That being not taking chances when they present themselves there were very few in this game full stop, but when they did show I think we were about even and to be completely honest it took a cock-up from the player selected in the team of the week and recent player of the match Mr Johnson to be completely out of position as the R’s broke and snatched the lead in the 70th minute. A lead in truth they never looked like relinquishing, finishing with a comfortable 2-1 win.
In the first half the teams exchanged goals from another rocket to take the lead for the Royals to a well-placed header from Bugiel to level up what felt like moments later. The Dons unusually dominated possession at times and looked good composed and ready to take advantage at any stage, however they did not.
The game was the second round of the League Cup and realistically it was not important for either side to use first team players and although Reading had better youngsters and more of them the Dons gave run outs for the back-up squad and a debut for the new centre back who performed well in his first outing for the Wombles. The left wing-back performed ok on his first team competitive debut (I don’t care about the Mikey Mouse Trophy - till the ‘the finals’). Although a little rough around the edges there were plenty of positive signs the big negatives for me were already showing themselves and last night sadly drew some neat lines underneath those concerns. Firstly Josh Kelly desperately needs to score goals at this or any professional level, he has had the chances but not taken them enough times. He works so hard and puts himself around the pitch but not enough to score the goals to warrant a regular start. Aron Sasu has all the attributes needed but rarely has an end product of a decent shot or a good cross. Transfer window closes this week and replacing or loaning out either could be a good option. I don’t want either to go but I don’t think we can afford the wage of someone not doing what is needed of them. Tough and I hate saying it. Here’s the scores from last night:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
20- McDonnell 7,
4- Reeves 7,
7- Orsi 6,
8- Maycock 7,
9- Bugiel 8,
15- Bauer 8,
16- Hackford 7,
26- Harbottle 8,
29- Sasu 7
30- Nkeng 8,
33- Ogundere 8,
SUBS -
1- Bishop /, Unused sub
2- Asiimwe 7, On for (#7) Orsi - 71 min
3- Seddon 7, On for (#30) Nkeng - 71 min
6- Johnson 6, On for (#15) Bauer - 66min
10- Kelly 6, On for(#16) Hackford - 71 min
12- Smith /, Unused sub
19- Foyo /, Unused sub
21- Hippolyte 7, On for (#4) Reeves - 79min
Match Official
Referee 6 , [Jacob Miles]
Assistants 7,
Update #4 - Plough Lane Bouncing
Sunday 23rd August 2025
This team never stops amazing me with the attacking fire power that the away side could weald I personally came into this one ready for another good performance but disappointment again. The Tykes, undefeated in the league so far came into London brimming with confidence and looking to add to their tally for the climb up the table. I was in the same frame of mind so I was pleasantly surprised by...
Dons 2 V Tykes 0
After a bit of a shaky start the away side should have taken the lead without a worldie of a save from Bishop between the sticks in the Dons goal. Point blank with only the keeper between McGoldrick and a bulging net. Extremely impressive throughout and deserving his clean sheet Nathan Bishop was awesome. With a back five fighting for everything even with the absence of the talisman of Joe Lewis an amazing team display saw the Dons take the lead from a good finish from Matty Stevens before the Tykes started the second half in dominant form. A change from JJ saw a new front line which paid dividends with sub Antwoine Hackford scoring against the run of play with a sublime finish against the inside of the post to settle the game. The game did not petter out but rather saw efforts nearly taken at both ends before the end. Both sides hit the woodwork during the game and at least three one on one's with keepers that didn't end in goals. It could have finished 5-3 but two was enough to beat a strong side.
Really please with result keeps the Dons in 10th and more importantly 7 points above the relegation zone which is great this early in the season. Yes, still lots of football to go and a long auld season to navigate as well. Winter to get through and bans and injuries etc etc but we take the positives while we can and at the moment its great so lets enjoy it!
Here's the player scores:
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 9,
2- Asiimwe 8,
3- Seddon 8,
4- Reeves 8,
6- Johnson 8,
11- Browne 8,
12- Smith 8,
14- Stevens 8,
21- Hippolyte 9,
26- Harbottle 8,
33- Ogundere 8,
SUBS -
8- Maycock 7, On for (#21) Hippolyte - 85 min
9- Bugiel 8, On for (#14) Stevens - 64min
15- Bauer /, Unused sub
16- Hackford 8, On for (#11) Browne - 65min
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
7- Orsi /, Unused sub
29- Sasu /, Unused sub
Match Official
Referee 7, [Ollie Yates]
Assistants 6,
Update #3 - Bluebirds are singing in Summer...
Wednesday 20th August 2025
I shall begin with some admin as I forgot to add the player scores for the Reading game so it has been added below. Secondly useless facts time as Bluebirds the nickname of the opposition are not native to the UK. It was popular in WW2 songs written by American who do have native Bluebirds. There you go the beginning is all done.
Dons 0 V Bluebirds 1
I said in update #1 that I didn't want to just write match reports but then promptly do exactly that for the Reading game. I will try and return to what I hoped would be the norm this time. As we played a former Premier League team that had nestled in the Championship for what seems like a long time. They dropped into League 1 and for me still have a Championship team and for large parts of the game - it looked like it.
It was backs against the wall for most of the game. To be fair the teams were evenly placed as we are defensive and they wanted to attack. It did reach a point where they appeared to run out of ideas and the Dons looked the more likely to nick the win but fate and the footballing gods can be a cruel master sometimes as after the attacking last 20 minutes the Dons conceded the only goal of the game in the 92nd minute.
Strangely my feelings straight after the game was that of frustration but it went numb quickly where I just didn't mind the defeat. Ultimately, we played a team who should be winning this league if it weren't for others in the same position. So to go toe to toe with them and to just come up short is good but concerning. Point one is that we could have nicked a point or three in this game and really chuffed with coming that close with both Luton and Cardiff is something to be proud of being little Wimbledon with the 24th largest budget out of the 24 teams in this league. I have not seen one prediction of us staying in the division and all bar one had us finishing bottom of the league. Which is winning 50% of the league games so far is going well.
Point two is that the two defeats have similar themes in playing really well (defensively) but then falling to a late goal which can be really demoralising. I hope there is enough spirit in the team to keep bouncing back after horrid unfair results. Currently there appears to be but time will tell. The fight in the squad is a major positive for this side and needs to keep going. The fans have been awesome so far as well this season which also helps. Lets see what happens with the next ex-Premiership teams this coming Saturday where we face Barnsley. I will remember to put the player scores on here this time!
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 8,
2- Asiimwe 8,
3- Seddon 8,
4- Reeves 7,
6- Johnson 8,
7- Orsi 7,
12- Smith 7,
14- Stevens 7,
21- Hippolyte 7,
31- Lewis 7,
33- Ogundere 9,
SUBS -
8- Maycock /, Unused sub
9- Bugiel 8, On for (#7) Orsi - 63min
11- Browne 8, On for (#21) Hippolyte - 63 min
16- Hackford 7, On for (#14) Stevens - 63min
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
26- Harbottle 8, On for (#31) Lewis - 28min
29- Sasu /, On for (#3) Seddon - 89 min
Match Official
Referee 9 , [David Rock]
Assistants 7,
Update #2 - Reading between the lines...
Sunday 17th August 2025
The season is stepping up after the Lincoln City game we faced a battling Gillingham side who despite going down by a goal thought back to equalise and then stole the win late in the game. It went to penalties and the Dons won through. Setting up a tie again our next league opponents Reading. A game I was late to decide that I actually attended, so here's the report.
Royals 1 V Dons 2
Oh the fun I had coming up with that unique title after playing Reading FC away in the third league game of the season. This was my first away game of the season and the Dons first away league win of the season. The ebb and flow of the game was a strange one as the home side started like a rocket dominating possession and chances although nothing really clear cut until they broke right down the middle of the pitch and was heading into the box with a three verses two. The player breaking squared it to the number 9, Ehibhatiomhan squared the ball again and with the goal wide open and free for a tap in. He blazed the ball over with the chance that could have lead to a very different result. In the thirty second minute Nathan Asiimwe did some great work down the right sending a tempting cross to the unmarked Matty Stevens who headed into the back of the net. The remainder of the half played out with little opportunity at either end. Second started with the Royals took to the field with a flea in their ear and fired up but this came to nothing and the dons soon wrestled back control. Coming close with a Marcus Browne effort and then a low cross across the six yard box with Hackford baring down on goal. With 69 minutes on the clock and just as we were running into the box our attacker was brought down for a free-kick. The kick was basically on the 'T' of the 18 yard box and the touchline. Myles Hippolyte came and stood on the corner of the 18 yard box and no one bothered to mark him. The goalkeeper screamed and shouted but no-one listened. The free-kick was passed to Myles with defenders charging towards him. He simply player the ball to a waiting Marcus Broome who fired on goal taking a wicked deflection the ball nestled in the bottom right corner of the net.
The game then petered out to a comfortable 2-0 win and Reading accepted their fate. Well that was until the 85th minute when Lewis Wing hit a worldie from 25 yards that curled into the top right corner. Suddenly the Royals strung into life and throwing everything forward. I was actually worried for the first time in about an hour. Bishop was forced into a great save and then had to cope with many other lumps into the box. The dons held out and claimed the three points. The boyz done good and really had to work for that win and that is what is required this season as I don't think any victory will be plain sailing.
It's left us 10th in the table and two wins from three matches. So far so good but there is still a hell of a long way to go but for this particular dons fan I have a lot more confidence about this season now that before a ball was kicked.
Scores for Players (Out of 10)
1- Bishop 9
2- Asiimwe 9,
3- Seddon 8,
4- Reeves 8,
6- Johnson 8,
11- Browne 9,
12- Smith 8,
14- Stevens 8,
16- Hackford 7,
31- Lewis 9,
33- Ogundere 9,
SUBS -
7- Orsi 7, On for (#14) Stevens - 81min
8- Maycock /, Unused sub
9- Bugiel /, On for (#11) Browne - 81min
20- McDonnell /, Unused sub
21- Hippolyte 8, On for (#16) Hackford - 58min
26- Harbottle 8, On for (#6) Johnson - 74min
29- Sasu /, Unused sub
Match Official
Referee 9 , [Jamie O'Connell]
Assistants 9,
Update #1 - Its Baaaaaack...
Saturday 9th August 2025
The season has started we had an off-season full of woe and pessimism so much negativity over he lack of signing and the season looming. Then we start the season away to a hot favourite for the league title and we lose to a late own goal and everyone is celebrating and expecting a great season ahead of us. And then onto today...
Dons 2 V Imps 0
I never really wanted this to become a match report although that is how it normally turns out. Today we started evenly which then became Lincoln started to take a grip of the game. We as a team that is happy defending and looking to break down and make the most of transitions, so it appeared that would be the case. Until the 23rd minute where Adam Jackson saw red after putting his studs into the chest of Matty Stevens. I honestly think he was purely going for the ball and in fact won the ball but followed through into his chest. Matty didn't help his cause by grabbing his head and rolling around bit I would assume it would hurt. Off he went and if that wasn't bad enough for the visitors when Sonny Bradley blocked a shot by pushed the ball wide with his hands. A penalty and the opening goal of the game for Matty Stevens followed. The Imps where in shell shock and all over the place until half time where it stayed 1-0. Second half the game began with a confusing sense as it was hard to tell who had the extra man. It wasn't help by the referee (possibly in 'even it out' mode) given us very little in the second half particularly in the attacking half. I feel the Imps would be saying the same. The second goal came from the new right wing back Nathan Asiimwe who brought the ball down spun to slot the ball home. He was later brought down in the penalty area which was not given but he stood up and the ball came back to him and he some how managed to put it well over the bar. The game kind of petered out with the home side creating all the chances whilst the imps were happy to hear the final whistle and head home for the evening.
It feels good to get a win early in the season as on paper this season starts with a horrible run of four ex-Premier League teams in the first five games. This was the other one and we won it so fingers cross that can bring that form into the next three games. Next up is Reading away and then Cardiff City at home on a Tuesday night. We are back baby!! Here's the Player Scores today:
# Surname Points (out of 10)
1- Bishop 8
2- Asiimwe 9
3- Seddon 8
Subbed off on 74 mins for -
29- Sasu 7
4- Reeves 7
6- Johnson 8
11- Browne 7
Subbed off on 74 mins for -
8- Maycock 7
12- Smith 7
14- Stevens 8
Subbed off on 59 mins for -
16- Hackford 8
21- Hippolyte 7
Subbed off on 58 Mins for -
7- Orsi 7
31- Lewis 8
Subbed off on 91mins for -
26- Harbottle 7
33- Ogundere 8
Match Official 8
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