2024-2025 - The 'Abridged' version of Player and Season Updates Blog

The season is nearly upon us and last season I split my thoughts and match reports into separate posts on this blog last year. This year I thought, sod it and I cannot be arsed to do all that so I will try and update this after each match but rather than a straight-up match report I would give you my views and not the same but different info from the official website. This will be the streamlined version, unless I have to moan which may go on for sometime!! Lets see how it goes....

 Episode 33 - Thursday 29th May 2025

  Contract details and my thoughts on the squad...

As promised here are the players details for this season and what I believe is their situation with each players contract. I will also add my views on who should stay and go. Although, I will have no baring on any decision made by the club. Firstly I have been scoring the players each time I have watched a game and here are the averages for the 2024/25 Season:

So I wrote a whole section here and researched into all the contract of players and even dated for today to release this morning then the club released the retained list which meant everything below that I can see is about to disappear and be re-written to what you now see. Oh the hours wasted. The list below first three columns I have done before and added the fourth now and made further amendments this morning. So here is the updated list.

OK so for me beyond James Ball there is no real surprises there, I wouldn't say that releasing James is a big surprise but I cannot say that I am not a little disappointed to see him go. He was fundamental to a large part of the season and helped back-up the first team many many times. I think he'll be missed.

CONTRACTED - OK lets go through them the contracted players would have to be paid to leave so a- that ain't happening and b-Beyond (maybe) one I would want all of them in a Wimbledon shirt next season. So we will tick them and pleased to see them back next season. I thought there was three with an extra year extension option in their contracts one has been triggered Isaac which I am pleased about to see how he copes at a higher level. One was not taken and released in Huseyin Biler who had a fantastic start to the season tailed off and never managed to regain a place in the team. Why do I think attitude was a contributing factor in there. Tilley I thought had an extension in his contract but has been offered a new contract lets hope he signs.

LOAN PLAYERS - Not surprised that they have gone back to their parent clubs its the law and part of the agreement. Of those going back two are out of contract next month. It has already been announced that Alistair Smith is to be released. I would be surprised if he is not offered a contract, however whether this will be enough to sign that is another subject. Owen Goodman will be back at Crystal Palace who are looking for reserve players which if I was in charge I'd be looking to loan Goodman to a Championship club to keep his progression going or give him a place on the bench that's a wait and see I think. James Furlong and Joe Pigott both flattered to deceive and will return to their clubs for others to decide their fates. Joe should be out of contract and I do not believe he has been offered a new one so could be a free agent. He was deemed not good enough for League One Leyton Orient so not sure we would look to bring him back. I have no knowledge of Furlong.

REQUEST TO STAY - We have offered contracts to Tilley (see above) and to flip the pitch we have also offered a new contract to Josh Neuville which surprised me that we have left it this late in the process to offer him one. Likewise with Johnson as I thought around January if anyone was sniffing around they would have offered the contract then. Anyway negotiations are happening with Marcus Browne and Sam Hutchinson, which also seem logical as Marcus you would assume to be on the best wages of the club so it'll be a case that he'll want to stay if the price is right and Hutch will stay if he is fit enough after his health concerns.

LEAVING THE CLUB - I have already mentioned Hus Biler and the loan players so the rest are contracted players that aren't being offered a new deal and will be seeking employment elsewhere. I think John-Joe O'Toole burnt his bridges when he WWE attacked a Gillingham player on national television and risked getting a long ban. Ryan McLean, Paris Lock and Morgan Williams fall into the young player on loan at a lower level which then asks the question of will they cope at a higher level and worth a contract to see if they develop well enough or should they look to find a club where they can start a career at a level where they can showcase their abilities and be discovered and move up the ladder quicker. I wish them all well and hope their big break comes soon. The one that one that makes me melancholy is James Ball as he stepped in during a difficult period of the season and put in some great performances. This was when we were winning matches and moving back up the table, since he wasn't playing we moved down the table until very late on and we sneaked back into the playoffs. With all of these we as fans may never know if there are hidden reasons (which is right really). For example if the player has fallen out with the manager or if there is another reason.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT - No real surprises here but it does mean some questions are needing to be answered before the season starts. Which is a bit of a d'uh question as its obvious new recruits are required. Currently there is no recognised goalkeeper in the first team squad for one. Midfield and back up defenders are required and another goal-scorer is defo needed we only have Matty Stevens at the moment. The rest of the summer will be huge for the season ahead.

 Episode 32 - Monday 26th May 2025

  Dons are going up, Ole Ole...

I have to begin this with an apology to Johnnie Jackson as I have doubted you for three years and this win and promotion to League One has shut my whinging and whining up. This promotion hasn't sunk in yet and I believe this will take time as I was convinced that this would fuck up at some point and JJ and the boys have pulled together four 1-0 wins on the bounce. You have earned this promotion and please accept all the credit and celebrations you deserve it. Making this the most defensive team in the league is quite an achievement and hopefully the team is in good shape for the season ahead at a higher level. A level that JJ was hired to return us to and fair play he did it.

Today at Wembley Stadium in a meeting of two sides that had fantastic start to the season and then dropped off. The Dons up surge was not as high as Walsall's but the drop was also not as deep as theirs. They slipped into the play-offs by a single 94th minute goal by Bradford City and to their credit they bounced back from that and beat a great and tough to beat Chesterfield side. Coming into today I honestly thought we would find a way to lose and not only did we not but we have been fantastic four game run. That is four wins against teams at the top of the table or would have been if we had lost. Credit has to go to this group and it now seems that today's players scores are here and the next episode will look at the player contracts and looking at the season ahead but for tonight and NOW lets just enjoy it!

    v Walsall

1- Owen Goodman (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (9), [Sub 69min: HT- Isaac Ogundere (8),]

31- Joe Lewis (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (8),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (9), [Sub 90mins : 8- Callum Maycock (7),]

18- Marcus Browne (8), [Sub 90min : 29- Aron Sasu (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (8), [Sub 77mins : 10- Josh Kelly (8),]

#- Official (8)

 Episode 31 - Sunday 17th May 2025

  Dons won County Null...

I am writing this the morning after the game and not really been on social media or heard any of the fall out from the game, as I was out yesterday and going out this morning as well so I need to be on point right now to get this uploaded in time. OK Where do I start.

              Before the game is the best methinks. Building up to the away game I was nervous all week, which grew as the game got closer. Getting into our seats and killing time outside was almost agony. The first half was awash with nervous tension and the second with relief and pleasure for firstly scoring and secondly for holding on and not conceding. This week was different. Maybe I was too busy elsewhere or concerns elsewhere but the game was discussed with nerves but then pushed to the back of my mind. Then Saturday arrived and for the third time this season the M***** F****** had closed the junction between the A3 and the M25 making the journey horrendous and for the third time this season I had missed the advanced warning. This may have distracted me as the walk to the ground was once again calm. Coming into the ground was ok, taking the seat and the nerves eventually kicked in. We are 90 minutes from a trip to Wembley and facing Walsall. Not only that we had a goal advantage before we even started.

              The game began, exactly as I thought it would County in possession and happily keeping the ball outside the box. Little secret County fans the Dons are happy with that keep the ball out there and away from the goal we will sit in deep and deploy the appropriate defender to close you down then rota and slot back into position. We are a well drilled defensive unit. Well nerves went from building into explosions of joy when after 7 minutes Josh Neufville lobbed Bass in the County goal a finish that was simply sublime. What a difference a goal makes. This became a joy from that minute onwards. As everyone told me Notts County are a front foot attacking side had one shot saved by Owen Goodman that I can remember. The rest of the time they had possession and many times they passed the ball out for our throws and often gave us goal kicks. Beyond that I do not remember heaps of pressure until the 90 minutes were up and they resorted to lumping everything forward. In fact, we had all the better chances and a fantastic save from Bass kept them in the game. We broke quickly and looked more likely to score with some very last-ditch challenges and one on one’s came to frustratingly nothing when the tie could have been even more comfortable.

              I really don’t want to be negative on County as they had two forwards out of this game who had provided 40 or 50 goal contributions and made our defence a little more comfortable, but I really don’t want to allow this squad’s defensive performance to be swept aside. Defending is part of the game, and we went into their back yard and not just held them to a clean sheet but actually beat them. Wombles nullified one of the divisions best attacking sides to no goals in two games and you have to give credit for this. Take some credit but not too much as there is another game to go and it’s the biggest one yet.

              Its now time to look for stupid theories and anything that may breed confidence into the fans, so we have gone to Newcastle United this season and held our own. We lost but by a single goal. A noticeably big occasion and a cauldron to experience. The boys have done it and come through stronger. That said we are a team that can throw leads away when ahead even by more than single goal. All season there is one comment I made against all opponents down at New Plough Lane and it was the best side I saw play against us and that was Walsall. They scored and looked for more unlike any other side I’ve seen at home this season. That said it was long before their best player returned to their parent club and their form turned to mush. Since then, we went to their place and had a very even tussle where they equalised late on to gain a point, so we have gained a single point from them this season. Is it time to correct that? We and Wembley Stadium will find out. Here’s the players scores:

    v Notts County 

1- Owen Goodman (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8), [Sub 57min: HT- Isaac Ogundere (8),]

31- Joe Lewis (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (7),

4- Jake Reeves (7),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7), [Sub 82mins : 8- Callum Maycock (7),]

18- Marcus Browne (7), [Sub 63mins : 10- Josh Kelly (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (7), [Sub 81min : 29- Aron Sasu (6),]

#- Official (7)

 Episode 30 - Wednesday 15th May 2025

  The Play Offs Begin...

Wow I did not fully appreciate how long its been between the table below and today where its the Wednesday after the first play off semi-final first leg from last Saturday. There are reasons for the lack of update and mainly (I think) its down to lack of sleep. I will get to that in a mo, once I've given you a brief summary of the gap in between.

Since the 21st of April we have beaten Grimsby Town away from home which not only cemented the play off place but knocked the mariners out of the play off picture and moved us up one place. This meant we moved about Notts County who were losing at home to the League Two Champions – Doncaster Rovers. Moving above the Magpies meant we faced them away in the first leg of the semi-final and then at home for the second leg. After some monument fucking about with the kick-off dates and time the fixtures were a long drive followed by an 8pm kick off in Nottingham on Saturday 10th May. Followed by an early start the following Saturday 17th May where we have a 12:30pm kick off for the second leg. So, we get to play the second leg in the heat of midday with the potential of extra time and a moo-has-ive game a week later in the final (for either side) yep seems completely fair.

              Onto the first leg of the Semi-Final and the long drive up to Nottingham there was a long and extremely late drive back home. We were then up early on Sunday as there was another football tournament in Oxford City’s stadium. The ground we drove past at around midnight knowing we still have another hour’s drive to go. Before getting up and driving for an hour back where I was just 8 hours earlier with a shitty night’s sleep in between. Which I think caused the conked-out person writing this right now. I was done by Sunday and then there was another incident which meant the early night on Sunday didn’t happen. I tried again on Monday and was simply unwell Tuesday so feeling better today here’s my take of the first leg.

              Straight off the bat we won! A 1-0 victory which doesn’t tell the whole story. Before I go on, I HAVE TO SAY what an atmosphere from both sets of fans as neither could here the other. That is simply because we (and them) were so loud that you could not hear the other. Before and after was just fantastic and fair play to those travelling up. No hint of trouble and both sets of fans mingled to a certain point before and was well marshalled after it as well. Well done to all.

              The game itself was extremely well thought, and I cannot say we were lucky as defensively they played like trojans. There were two goal line clearances and Owen Goodman pulled off a worldie of a save as well as some other great saves to boot. County hit the post as well. Which all sounds like it was one way traffic for the whole game which it wasn’t as the Dons came with a tactic of defend and nick a goal which worked perfectly. Which makes a change for us. It was a meeting of two vastly different styles and to leave there with an advantage feels massive as the second leg will prove to be just as tight and I still believe could go either way. I just hope we have a similar atmosphere to make our boys feels loved and willing to run through walls for the team, as this could be massive for determining the result.

              The controversial moment came five minutes into injury time where Alassana Jatta was sent off for a tackle on Allistair Smith and then attacked a few Dons players as he left the field from the red card. Yes, I might be bias, but this was 100% sending off. He was held but players were pulling each other’s shirts all night, so he lost his shit, and the frustration of the situation was for me the fundamental reason for two footing an opponent near the halfway line. I have heard lots of comments about this decision and the home fans were moaning about the referee all night well guess what we have also had many a shite decision this season and without them we would have been automatically promoted already. Was it a foul? yes maybe, was it given? no but the challenge with both feet off the ground towards an opponent is exactly a sending off decision. After lots of moaning about the decision most County fans are saying that they are pleased he won’t be involved in the second leg as they have been better without him. So, what is it? I don’t know.

              My assessment is that the players were fantastic in probably one of the most hostile places to play and they come away with a win which is something special and was appreciated. Is the tie over? Far from it, if our fans think this is over and done with, they are very mistaken. We will have to be on point again to get through this tie. We just highlighted that we could. Here is my score of the players scores:

  v Notts County

1- Owen Goodman (9.5),

26- Riley Harbottle (9),   

31- Joe Lewis (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8), [Sub 57min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (8),]

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (7), [Sub 90mins : 3- James Furlong (7),]

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7), [Sub 74mins : 8- Callum Maycock (8),]

18- Marcus Browne (7), [Sub 74mins : 10- Josh Kelly (8),]

14- Matty Stevens (7), [Sub 57min : 9- Omar Bugiel (8),]

#- Official (25)

OK I'm kidding with the official as I would give them a solid 8 instead.

 Episode 29 - Monday 21st April 2025

  Quack!! Quack!! Quack!!

The chips are down and so it the morale around New Plough Lane. It should not really be a shock to me that we have gone from possible automatic promotion places to dropping out of the play-offs and it boils down to one game. Away verses Grimsby Town just to seal a place in the post season where we can screw it up like I thought we would. However it now looks like we will not even make the play-offs which sadly I feared before. Here's the table firstly:

and here is new weekends fixtures:

And just of the top of my head this happens:

Then the table without our results looks like this:

Which put as simply as possible if we do not lose we go into the play-offs. If we win we will be at home for the second leg of the semi-finals and if we lose then quite frankly JJ can leave the club. If we do not even make the play-offs from the position we were in then he can go and I will wish him well but he can go.

It is still possible to lose and make the play-offs if all the teams below lose but seeing as we are playing one of those I don't hold much hope of that. It has come down to a difficult fixture away from home to save the season. A season that should never be in the position of holding its breathe on the final day to reach the play-offs tell me this team has not bottled it again! Between the 1st January to 18th February from a possible 27 points we took 19!! From the same day 18th February to date there was a possible 45 points available we took 15.. Here is the difference:

In that same period relegated from League 2 -Carlisle United's record was Played 15 Won 5 Drew 5 Lost 5 Scored 19 and Conceded 20 Gaining 20 points.. That run would have seen us in the automatic places.

Oh! And if you are wondering what the quacks are about read my thought of Episode 28 below..

 Episode 28 - Monday 21st April 2025

  Thoughts and reflections...

Now I have become very philosophical about the whole season now we have blown the automatic promotion places. Now I have heard many a feedback and comments and conversations and know there are many Dons fans out there that are pretty pissed off. I for one can understand why. It begs the question is this a team without any bottle, when the chips are down do we bottle it and throw everything away…

To answer that… if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, has feathers like a duck, webbed feet like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it’s a fucking duck then ain’t it. Since JJ took over, no wait, hang on - even before he took over this team doesn’t finish a season very well EVER! With the exception of the promotion season under Neal Ardley this team post-Christmas turns from Cinderella into one of the ugly sisters. This version of the team is (sadly) the same as all the others. The transfer window is like some kind of magic mirror that turns everything to shit for this club and it happens season after season. This year we have finished with three wins in the last fourteen games is typical, this also means fifteen points from those games as well. Please dress this up as a good thing. Please try it as I cannot!

  Last season we were on the edges of the play-offs and was left with must win games, fell at the first hurdle. Countless number of games under this leader have been thrown away from leading position. It has gone beyond a mere coincidence from the whole of his tenure there is no, and I’ll repeat that NO game management when winning and coming towards the end of a game they have thrown games away repeatedly. Just like the seasons they are throwing seasons away as well If any club has a track record of fucking things up from a great position this is it. For me I have already accepted that we are going to get nothing from this season, and we will 100% be back in League 2 next season and back to mid-table hopes back again whilst we struggle to beat teams at the bottom and then get dragged into the shit.

As an additional example the greatest moment of this season (and won’t be surpassed) is beating Scum 2-0 away from home in the FA Cup. Which was a momentous day and another following up great result against them. We followed up that ecstatic result was followed by losing to Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round at home. They are currently 21st in the league and will be playing National League South football next season if they don’t win their last two games. Just another example for you.

I have honestly given up with this season and I am now not expecting anything now. If we reach the playoffs and I am still not convinced that we will make the playoffs either. If we do, then getting through the semi-finals will be too much again. I could honestly see us win the away leg 3-0 and then lose 4-0 at home. We could do this or get to the final and throw a 3 or 2 goal lead away. I have absolutely no confidence in this team holding onto anything. It has got to the point where a goal scored is a genuine surprise to me each and every time they go in. We have a front line where only one scores, and he has dried up so there is nothing much coming from anywhere else. So sorry for being a defeatist but after 4 years of slop all confidence that this team can do anything other than let us down has eroded completely away. That said will I be getting a ticket and singing my lungs out and crying and celebrating the whole playoffs, but I will not be watching the last two games of the season. Hence not convinced we will reach the playoffs yet either. Sorry but that is how I feel!

 Episode 27 - Monday 21st April 2025

  LIVE...

OK Its half time and I am stopping the live feed.. I can do it which what was the experiment but I am keeping it in the back pocket unless you are reading this and want me to keep going let me know now..

So as a potential experiment to the final day of the season here is updates live as the Wombles face the Gills with new boss, Dons Legend Gareth Ainsworth. Here's the live table:

Easter Monday:

Newport County 0 Walsall 0 (Result)

Chesterfield 1 Bradford City 2

Crewe Alexandra 0 Scum 1

Doncaster Rovers 2 Colchester United 0

Gillingham 0 Wimbledon 0

Morecambe 0 Salford City 2

Notts County 1 Cheltenham Town 0

Port Vale 0 Grimsby Town 1

Swindon Town 0 Bromley 0

Here's the updates as we go..

3:56pm

Half Times:

Chesterfield 1 Bradford City 2

Crewe Alexandra 0 Scum 1

Doncaster Rovers 2 Colchester United 0

Gillingham 0 Wimbledon 0

Morecambe 0 Salford City 2

Notts County 1 Cheltenham Town 0

Port Vale 0 Grimsby Town 1

Swindon Town 0 Bromley 0

3:50pm we are at halftime 0-0, Notts County have just scored to take the lead as well.. Moving us down a place in the table big results going on around us but we do not seem to be able to respond..

3:46pm Half times coming in Crewe 0 Scum 1 and Chesterfield have scored right at the end of the first half to give them something to fight for second half.. 1-2

3:42pm Not much goal action in League 2 for a few minutes and the update from Gillingham is that we don't look like scoring at the moment..

Oh Salford have just added a second (I won't update the table yet!)

3:29pm Scum now winning away at Crewe Alexandra moving them 7 points outside the play-offs and potentially out of the race for this season at the moment.

3:26pm Big goal at the top of the table as Grimsby Town take the lead away to Port Vale.. Massive for the top three and Grimsby Play-off hopes.

3:24pm Second goal of the day for Doncaster Rovers as it feels like the cream is rising today and we can't match them..

3:20pm The team we couldn't break down have already shipped two goals to Bradford City at home. This time a penalty to the away side. Just doesn't bowed well for our forwards currently.

3:12pm Goals going in Bradford and Doncaster Lead moving them further away from us and moving them top and second in the table...

3:05pm First early goal goes to Salford moving them to 9th and closer to the play-offs

2:57pm - I am live and nervous for some reason a potentially big day today which has already started because Walsall have already finished their game away to Newport County and despite thinking they nicked a win in the 100th minute it was disallowed meaning it remained goalless and they added a single point to their tally.

 Episode 26 - Saturday 19th April 2025

  The 'What if!' season completes for me... (Maybe)

Well, here we are potentially at the last game of the season for me. As my daughter’s birthday is on the date of the last home game against the team top of the table. With all three options of where we could finish in the table an option with automatic promotion, play-off place or we’ll see you all again next season those left behind. The fourth option not mentioned is relegation and we are at least safe from that (Phew at least!). Which for us actually makes a change but there we go. As a match report this is going to be one of the shortest ever as it was a 0-0 draw and although I think we were the better side we only created three or four clear chances, and they were well saved, and they had one early on which really should have been taken. Both sides put pressure on the other but beyond the chances mentioned it was all gusto and nothing really cutting edge.

I think a worthy sidenote here is there is still a very strong possibility that these two could meet each other in the play-offs in three short weeks away and not wanting to give too much away. Both sides clearly wanted to win it for the same reason of moving up from where they were, but it felt like neither side wanted to chance anything to go for the win. Happy for you to try and leave a gap which we could take advantage of win the game, but we are not going to give you an inch. Which is probably why the goal never arrived, and the feeling of frustration continues in what is clearly evolving into the ‘What if!’ season and ultimately what will end as the ‘what might have been!’ season. What a frustration huh!

I will do the player rating as usual below but before that I will look at where we are at the top of the table right now and the discuss the situation all over the place. OK here’s the table

The important thing is who has to play who, and I will be doing updates from the games I can keep an eye on here and doing new episodes from the shed rather than after the game.  Here are the fixtures:

Easter Monday:

Newport County v Walsall

Chesterfield v Bradford City

Crewe Alexandra v Scum

Doncaster Rovers v Colchester United

Gillingham v Wimbledon

Morecambe v Salford City

Notts County v Cheltenham Town

Port Vale v Grimsby Town

Swindon Town v Bromley

Walsall have an easy game (on paper) but it is away, and they have struggled to find a win for months and their slide down the table has been surprising and monumental. Meanwhile Bradford City go away to Chesterfield who we are aware are looking at the play-offs and are no mugs and will love to put one over the Bantams to reach the play-offs and drag them into it as well. Although I don’t think they care about what happens to them and they probably wouldn’t want to face them in the play-offs, but they are desperate to get in the play-offs and are close.  Crewe will be pleased to be playing them at this point in the season as they really don’t care about this season anymore, they just want to go on holiday. Doncaster Rovers have a similar scenario to us yesterday as they face Colchester United who want the win for the play-offs while Donnies want to cement their place in the automatic places. Salford City are the outsiders here being 4 points off the play-offs but with a game against Morecambe who are deep in the wrong end of the table and fighting for their lives. Not easy but still very possible for them. Notts County can cement their play-off place with a win against Cheltenham Town who are already on the beach in terms of what to play for this season. Port Vale top of the table face final play-off placed Grimsby Town which should be a cagey affair after all. Swindon Town, I included despite being six points from a play-off place but with the number of teams between them and the final available spots someone should stay in front of them.

  v Chesterfield

1- Owen Goodman (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),   [Sub 45min: 41- Sam Hutchinson (8),]

31- Joe Lewis (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),

8- Callum Maycock (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (7),

10- Josh Kelly (8), [Sub 63mins : 29- Aron Sasu (6),]

9- Omar Bugiel (7), [Sub 75mins : 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (7), [Sub 62min: 19- Osman Foyo (7),]

#- Official (7)

 Episode 25 - Sunday 6th April 2025

  PANIC Mr Mannering!!!

Who knows what to expect when the Don’s play anymore after three awful results which has pretty much ended any hopes of automatic promotion, and we were so close for such a long time and then we tossed it away late in three important games. One being detailed below which I was not overly concerned about at the time as I blamed more the referee than us but to throw games away in the same method for the next two games is criminal. So, onto the home game against lowly Harrogate Town where we would normally expect a win, and I remember a 3-2 home win before which was an exciting game. This was not that exciting! Calculating the requirement for automatic place [which is not out of the window completely] I would suggest fifteen points are needed from six games (so eighteen available). Even the management called this one a “Must Win!” and it showed.

              Starting the game, it was a fairly even, scrappy affair with the ball spending so much time in the air. Hoof it here and hoof it there. From the team we had watched all season with passing, moving, playing triangles down the channels looking for a decisive pass, which was all gone and the hoof it forward its replacement. No flow or ability to put the ball on the deck and pass it forward it was just poor with no form strategy. The must win tag seems to have caused panic in the heart of the players as all the skills and techniques from earlier in the season vanished and the hoof-em gang replaced them. From an uneventful first half we meandered into the second half.

              Now I have seen away teams come for a draw and play for time, but I have never seen a goalkeeper catch the ball and keep it in his hands for move than 45 seconds without the referee taking any retribution against them before. Not only that he would take a good minute to take every goal keep and regularly held the ball for 15-20 seconds every time he caught the ball. No whistle, no waving, no comment, and nothing however what did piss me off as we scored and then the referee seemed to be interested in the time our players were taking for dead ball situations which was just frustrating. The goal came from substitute Osman Foyo not giving up and charging down a ball setting up Josh Neufville who squared it to an unmarked Allistair Smith to slot the ball into the back of the net. The countdown began and all the usual panic from the fans of late as we cannot hold onto a lead anymore. For a change we did and ran out worthy winners despite the late huff and puff from the away side. Hoofing high balls into the box and throwing everyone into the penalty area. They even sent the keeper up for a corner. Not that they had much left to play for.

              The win means that if history has anything to go by we still need 12 points from 5 games which is not impossible but I think we would never go to the end of the season with 4 wins in 5 games particularly with an away game at Doncaster Rovers and the final home game of the season against Port Vale the new leaders of the league. We are now five points behind the automatic places with five games left, I can tell you this ain’t going to happen. Added to this we are not going to do much in the play-offs either, sadly I can see us collapsing in the first leg if we are away in the first leg and then play really well in the second leg but come up short by a whisker no doubt but we won’t make the final. We will find a way to screw this season up and its going to be so frustrating as well.

              I will give you the scores for the players here:

  v Harrogate Town

1- Owen Goodman (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),

31- Joe Lewis (7),

6- Ryan Johnson (9),

4- Jake Reeves (6),

12- Alistair Smith (9),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

29- Aron Sasu (7),

10- Josh Kelly (8), [Sub 68min: 19- Osman Foyo (8),]

9- Omar Bugiel (8),   [Sub 73mins : 39- Joe Pigott (8),]

14- Matty Stevens (7), [Sub 73mins : 7- James Tilley (7),]

#- Official (6)

 Episode 24 - Sunday 23rd March 2025

  History repeating AGAIN!!

Don's throw away a home lead to draw! Now where did I hear that before. Now I want to be rational about this as the frustration of dropping points compared to the teams around us, is influencing peoples feelings. So I am trying to be objective here and also trying to express my feelings walking out of the stadium yesterday. I was very angry with the officials and the linesman in front of the main-stand in particular. Now I could be wrong and it could be the referee that told him so but for me there was three penalties missed and at least was stonewall. Now the offside against Smith in the build up to Matty Stevens scoring was 100% offside and not having the angle I could not say anything against it so I accept it. Having the advantage of seeing it again yes it was correct.

Why was I angry about the officials is simple Maycock's penalty was waved away. Josh Kelly was pulled down when he would have been better staying on his feet and shooting. Why dive there? Just score! Then there was handball which was also waved away but I would if I was referring so I'll ignore. I am one that looks at player reaction when things happen and Maycock's foul was as clear cut as you can get. When Callum Maycock went down the panic in the eyes of the defenders looking at the referee was clear to me (even though I was screaming at the officials at the time) watch it again and you will see them as well. What got me really annoyed was the centre back pairing leading with elbows into the back of the neck of Marcus Browne one each. Not a flag, a word, a foul or a flicker of the eyebrows. Meanwhile Marcus is off the pitch receiving treatment and eventually removed from proceedings. That is what I was angry about. Now to the game and reflecting on our performance.

The game started with a wave of attacks from the away side. This was before the Wombles had even stung some passes together. Coming more into the game an even first half without many clear cut chances, beyond a great save by the Barrow keeper. Pressley being a menace to our back three. The second half felt very different with the Dons very much in the ascendancy it felt like a goal would never come and then it did with Marcus Browne firstly clashing with one of the centre backs who tumbled to the ground allowing him the space to run in behind and firing a great goal off the post. The second came from Matty Stevens after some stunning running and ability of Josh Neufville. How he got to the by-line, I don't know let alone teeing up Matty to slot home. 2-0 up and five minutes remaining it was in the bag.

Well it wasn't as the Barrow side broke and a well struck shot deflected of the recently added Isaac Ogundere and past the helpless Owen Goodman. When the board went up showing 6 minutes I was not convinced it was correct either but was talked into it. For them to break and score an unstoppable equaliser with 10 seconds left on the clock was a kick in the teeth and to be honest undeserved. I cannot blame the players or the managers for that personally there were if this happened or if the ref actually gave the foul then the ball would not be up that end in the first place but I honestly don't think there is anything that the team could have done to prevent that beyond marking from the forward that didn't get back in time to cover the goal scorer. The midfield had their markers and were all busy doing their jobs for that goal. What more could be done? I don't know.

It was frustrating and could be a massive two points dropped for the end of the season but only time will tell. Here's the players scores:

   v Barrow AFC

1- Owen Goodman (7),

41- Sam Hutchinson (7),  [Sub 81mins : 33- Isaac Ogundere (6),]

31- Joe Lewis (7),

6- Ryan Johnson (7),

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (7), [Sub 81min: 3- James Furlong (6),]

4- Jake Reeves (7),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

18- Marcus Browne (9), [Sub 81 mins: 10- Josh Kelly (7),]

8- Callum Maycock (8),

14- Matty Stevens (8),  

#- Official (5). (Linesman would have been a 3)

Sidenote the last goals scored update:

Marcus Browne 22/3/25 (1 Day)

Matty Stevens 22/3/25 (1 Day)

James Tilley 11/3/25 (12 days)

Josh Neufville 28/1/25 (54 Days)

Josh Kelly 2/1/25 (80 Days)

Omar Bugiel 26/11/24 (117 Days)

Joe Pigott 16/11/24 (127 Days)

 Episode 23 - Wednesday 12th March 2025

 History repeating

Too many time and particularly in recent months I am saying the same thing we played well enough to win but we didn't in fact we lost and the Achilles heel reared its ugly head again. Not a goal scored from chance after chance after chance. I have to admit Browne's decision making at the defensive end of the pitch leaves a bit to be desired. The goal came from him losing possession then winning it back and he lost it again. Sometimes taking a booking is better than letting a goal go. We have plenty of chances to clear our lines before Matty Taylor scored the winner. Its just frustrating. I also feel a stat attack coming on.

After the usual slow start the home side started to get into the game but the away side showed their attacking prowess creating some great chances. This was to prove the case as a corner was flicked over the helpless Owen Goodman in goal and dropped into the bottom corner. A goal down at home again. With the game even the dons got their equaliser through Tilley's header that was bouncing to the keepers hands when another forward run in front without touching the ball and putting Joe Day off and the ball bounced happily into the net.

Again the usual happened as second half the Don's came out and put their foot on the throats of the opponents and kept attacking and attacking. Surely it was just a matter of time then an attack breaks down and as mentioned we fail to clear when given plenty opportunity and completely against the run of play its 1-2. They defend and time wasting their way to a valuable 3 points that we really could have done with. And we have to lick our wounds and actually find a way to score some goals other than Matty Stevens. Ok here's some stats.

I wanted to see how long its been since our forwards last scored. Tilley scored last night but its been 38 days prior to his goal last night before the more worrying stats. Its been 17 Days for Marcus Browne. 24 Days for Matty Stevens and 42 Days for Josh Neufville. The strikers are as follows:

• 68 Days since Josh Kelly's last goal

• 105 Days since Omar Bugiel's last goal

• 115 Days since Joe Pigott's last goal.

Marcus Browne 22/2/25 (17 Days), Matty Stevens 15/2/25 (24 Days), James Tilley 11/3/25, 1/2/25 (38 days), Josh Neufville 28/1/25 (42 Days), Josh Kelly 2/1/25 (68 Days), Omar Bugiel 26/11/24 (105 Days, Joe Pigott 16/11/24 (115 Days). The lack of goals from the strikers is simply worrying. Anyway here's the scores:

    v Cheltenham

1- Owen Goodman (8),

41- Sam Hutchinson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),

31- Joe Lewis (8),

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (8), [Sub 84mins : 29- Aron Sasu (6),]

4- Jake Reeves (7),

12- Alistair Smith (6), [Sub 87min: 8- Callum Maycock (8),]

18- Marcus Browne 6),

9- Omar Bugiel (8), [Sub 84min: 39- Osana Foyot (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (7),  [Sub 77 min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),]

#- Official (7).

 Episode 22 - Monday 10th March 2025

 Going with form... erm Not!

My apologies for the delay in updating this blog but after Saturday's early kick off it feels I have been a little busy OK very busy. I can remember the game as well as most. After recent form we seem to be preparing for this match as we played a lesser side against Morecombe in the week and lost. For all of that negativity around recently this side once again and surprising as well pulled out another impressive performance out of the bag.

From the seventh minute we were on it and once the goals went in, in the 21st and 35th minutes. The first coming from a corner finished by Joe Lewis and a rocket from Alistair Smith. Once they went in we spent the game waiting for Notts County to kick in and make a game of it, they didn't but they have major and I mean major injury crisis there. We have been there and come through the other side. We now have players coming back into the squad and this game was a very important one. Let me explain why..

County started this game above us in the table and on the back of four games without a win and two defeats on the bounce. A defeat here and I think we are looking at play-offs at best. Every time we have been in this position before they have put in a shift and we have never really been outplayed this season. We have been in with a sniff in every game this season and optimism is growing and looking at the final eleven games this season anything is possible still. From Automatic promotion places, play-off places or even dull and boring mid-table. There is a feeling around this squad that who knows the limits and thats a great thing. Here's the ratings:

    v Notts County

1- Owen Goodman (8),

41- Sam Hutchinson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),

31- Joe Lewis (9),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (8),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (9),

18- Marcus Browne (8), [Sub 76min: 8- Callum Maycock (8),]

9- Omar Bugiel (8), [Sub 89min: 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (7),  [Sub 83 min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),]

#- Official (7).

 Episode 21 - Saturday 1st March 2025

 Beware the Ides of March...

March begins with a home loss to midtable Bromley. As side I still haven't forgiven for the goal yes that goal. There has been a lot of water under the bridge since then but I have not heard a sorry from them or any reason why the mass celebrations should be ignored. So no I haven't forgiven them. Let alone the fact they have taken 6 points off of us this season. We lost today and that is not to ruin the surprise but to get that out of the way. Did we lose to the better side? No. Did they come and do a smash and grab sticking 10 men behind the ball for ninety minutes? No. Did they give us a game hit us with a sucker punch when looking for a winner and close out a comfortable 1-0 away win. Yes, that is probably the closest I am going to get to.

I'll begin with the defence of the team. They have been playing Saturday - Tuesday - Saturday - Tuesday for what seems like months now and I am told were leggy away at Fleetwood Town and Colchester United. So to escape those with a point each would look profitable if we win the home games. They have had the first week of no match for an age but didn't really get going until 10-15 minutes into the game. I would describe the first half as pretty even but the home side had shaved it maybe. The away side carved out some great (although occasional) chances and both sides were lucky to go in to the half time break without conceding.

Second half the Don's turned the screw and looked like the team that was looking for automated promotion for a good ten minutes spell. Followed by a long ball from the keeper a header on by their forward and bouncing harmlessly into the penalty area. Joe Lewis refuses to touch the ball so the keeper can take it. The keeper doesn't come and collect it another forward runs in. Joe panics flicks the ball away into their forward who slots home the winner.

Now all the frustration of timewasting and closing out the game sportsmanship aside as any team worth anything is going to do that. We did not score before the goal or in the scramble after it. Chances were created but not taken. That is why we lost today. One error should not matter when you have scored three. We didn't score and that is the worrying thing right now. Omar is not contribution to goals himself, although still creating them for others but it does feel like if Matty doesn't score then we don't. That is the frustration. Did we deserve to win? Did we deserve to lose? Probably not. But did we? Yes and you have to take that on the chin and move on. Nothing more to it. Scores of the players will follow:

           v Bromley

1- Owen Goodman (7),

6- Ryan Johnson (7),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (7),   [Sub 82min: 41- Sam Hutchinson (6),]

31- Joe Lewis (7),

11- Josh Neufville (7),  [Sub 69min: 29- Aron Sasu (6),]

7- James Tilley (6),

4- Jake Reeves (6),

12- Alistair Smith (6), [Sub 69min: 8- Callum Maycock (6),]

18- Marcus Browne (7),

9- Omar Bugiel (6), [Sub 69min: 39- Joe Pigott (6),]

14- Matty Stevens (6),  [Sub 82 min: 10- Josh Kelly (6),]

#- Official (8).

 Episode 20 - Saturday 15th February 2025

 F**k off Karl Robinson...

We are here back again and once again the boys in yellow and blue have left me happy and positive for the remainder of the weekend. Playing against yet another team in the top reaches of the League 2 table. Also a team that had already beaten us this season and left one of our important centre backs out for a few months after a hideous tackle. They are also managed by the twat they call Karl Robinson. Despite me calling him Mark for most of the game. A manager who hates us almost as much as we hate him. I will add that he brought this on his self by using the language, tone and aggression towards us a club and a fanbase. We do not forgive and forget once you leave the job you are in we remember what you said and how you acted so please don’t try the sob story or expect anything to change without an apology. That  said, onto today’s game and it was never going to be pretty Karl Robinson would never see that happen.

              Playing in all white due to Karl thinking the usual red shirts would clash with the Yellow and Blue of Wimbledon. OK I hate Mr Robinson, I think I’ve made that clear I will try and move on from there now.

              The whiney little Jon Taylor should have been booked early in the game but wasn’t so was given the licence to whinge away for most of the game. He eventually got a yellow for go face to face with the linesman. He was one of a few that should have been in the book well ahead of the referee bothering. Now this referee was poor, inconsistent with his decision making and calling somethings and not others, for similar looking challenges. Their central defensive pairing got away with some WWE style challenges and for me another penalty for us was not given. Despite all of this the game was relatively even with the Don’s creating the majority of chances whilst the away side look to pick off something on the break.

              The crucial moment happened in the 65th minute when oh old friend Mr Taylor was disposed in the Wimbledon half. He was held back or turned as Matty Stevens ran away from him. Without any chance of catching the sprinting striker. He went unopposed into the penalty area and struck the ball low into the bottom left corner of the goal. This was to turn out to be the only goal of the game as (from memory) the away side mustered up a single clear cut effort on the home side’s goal and it turned out to be a comfortable win.

              The result moves the Dons up to second in the table and for a brief period this afternoon looked to be catching up with runaway leaders Walsall. They turned their result around and won 3-1 comfortably leaving them well in control for the season ahead.  Here is the current table:

Team	Played	Difference	Points
Walsall	31	+25	63
Wimbledon	30	+23	55
Bradford City	31	+12	54
Notts County	30	+18	53
Port Vale	30	+7	52
Doncaster Rovers	31	+6	52
Crewe Alexandra	32	+5	49
Salford City	31	+8	48
Grimsby Town	31	- 3	48

And here’s the scores from today:

              v Salford City

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),  

31- Joe Lewis (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (8),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

18- Marcus Browne (9),  [Sub 81min: 29- Aron Sasu (7),]

9- Omar Bugiel (8),

14- Matty Stevens (8),  [Sub 92 min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),]

#- Official (5).

 Episode 19 - Friday 14th February 2025

 The boys are back and they're looking for trouble...

The (sub)title refers to the lyrics of a band I went to see recently where the words are it’s been a long time coming. Which refers to this post match report. The transfer deadline window has closed, and no big (first team) players have left which is a big plus. We have in fact increased the size of the squad a wee bit as well which is a great bonus for this club at this point in the season. The last of the new signings of Osman Foyo (Forward) and Marcus Browne (Midfield) both got to play this Tuesday night. Marcus looks very composed in the midfield and Osman nearly scored with his first touch after coming off the bench.

              Since I remembered my glasses tonight, I had to forget my gloves, hat, and scarf as a counterbalance. I could see the game but had to be frozen instead. Having the usual pre-game debriefs from friends and fellow fans. I was not expecting much from a Crewe Alexandra side that had flattered to deceive in the away fixture just a mere few weeks ago. That game finished 1-1 and apparently the Dons were the ones asking all the questions. Well, that failed to materialise tonight as the away side took the game to the confident home team. Crewe were bossing the possession charts and creating more chances although nothing really cutting edge. Some might argue that the game was even but for me the Railwaymen was ahead (just) on the judges’ scorecards. Then the momentous change occurred.

              Crewe’s Jamie Knight-Lebel bundled Omar over in the penalty area and after careful consideration the referee pointed to the spot. Then a further assessment then he pulled out the red card and sent the Jamie off. Much to the shock of the Crewe players and many home fans surrounding me in my little corner of the ground. The way referee decisions have gone against us all season it was a shock to see a penalty given and even more shocking to see the red as well which I thought had changed to a yellow card offence now. Apparently not. Red and the penalty was dispatched by Matty Stevens and the dons were in cruise control when they doubled the lead when Jake Reeves stabbed the ball home after typical great work from Josh Neufville.

Half-time two goals to the good and the old cliché of the next goal being crucial was so true but when Matty got his second just eleven minutes into the second half the game was effectively over, and the rest of the game played out. Yes, there were more chances for the Dons and the Crewe mustered up some chances as well, but the game was done and dusted long before the referee officially blew for time. It’s been a long time since I have seen a team body language just wilt away. They were dejected by the decision given by the referee but normally this would provoke anger and a reaction of no fucking way. They just seem to give up and then go through the motions until the final whistle. That said a really positive 3-0 win against a side challenging at the top of the table and the Dons head into another battle this Saturday against the bruisers of Salford City who injured Lewis for a month or two in the last outing against the two sides. Here’s the scores for the boys:

 v Crewe Alexandra

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),  

31- Joe Lewis (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),  [Sub 72min: 29- Aron Sasu (8),]

7- James Tilley (7), [Sub 85min: 3- James Furlong (7),]

4- Jake Reeves (9),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

18- Marcus Browne (9), [Sub 72 min: 21- Myles Hippolyte (7),]

9- Omar Bugiel (7), [Sub 78 min: 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (8),  [Sub 90 min: 19- Osman Foyo (8),]

#- Official (25).

OK I am kidding with the referee's score, I will go with a seven for him tonight!

 Episode 18 - Saturday 2nd February 2025

 Slugfest are go...

We returned to new Plough lane for what feels like an age to face a very in form and upwardly mobile Bradford City side looking to do a number on us at home. Bradford have always brought a physical dominant side whenever we played them whether home or away from my personal memory. This was never going to be any different and with both sides at the right end of the table this was going to be a cagey close encounter. Looking at more of a chess match than a slug fest. We settled into our cold seats and prepared for an epic encounter.

              I am not going to call this a damp squib as this was an engaging and close thought battle between two sides that will clearly (well hopefully) remain at the top of the table and duke out a tussle for the automatic promotion and play-off places. Well, I think that is what we got, after what was a dominant start for the away side the home side roared back into control and took the lead as early as the thirteenth minute. A ghosted run by Tilley to the far post where he found an acre of space to place his header into the back of the visitor’s net. The away side roared back and carved out some clear-cut chances and should have equalised through at least one of the two or three clear cut chances they made. They did not and through more luck than judgement in some incidents the Dons held their lead into the second half.

              The second half took a change in that the clear-cut chances came at both ends and the look of the heavyweight slugfest was upon us. The Dons had much more of the second half and had a stonewall penalty from my point of view turned down. The next goal was crucial for deciding where the points would be going home with and the home side dominating possession and pushing forward with the away side breaking and creating some great chances to level things up. How the score remained one-nil I don’t know but it did, and the dons took a hard fought three points for a very tough and accomplished opponent.

              The season is trundling along at pace there are, but a few days left of the transfer window and so far, no one has left the core squad that hadn’t just joined. In fact, we have more in the squad now than before the beginning of window so we can live in hope that none of the core of the playing personnel departs in the next day or two. Let’s hope shall will!!

Here’s the scores for today:

 v Bradford City

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),  

31- Joe Lewis (9),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

9- Omar Bugiel (8),

10- Josh Kelly (9), [Sub 85min: 29- Aron Sasu (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (7),  [Sub 72 min: 18- Marcus Browne (8),]

#- Official (7).

 Episode 17 - Sunday 19th January 2025

 Its already 19 days into a new year...

Now this is game, brought me back to the good old days. It was blooming freezing, the fog chilled the air, you could see the players breath, you could see the steam rising from them as well, it was a chilly, CHILLY game. When you're playing a team that finished the game third from bottom and you are fourth in the table there is this air of confidence with fans that this will be a walk in the park and the result is a forgone conclusion. However, Womble fans (well those that I hang out with) don’t have that confidence and will take each game as it comes.

              Tranmere Rovers defied their league place and performed really well. As a shot almost from the kick off from an interested Joe Piggott saw a goal (almost) within the first minute followed by nineteen minutes of Rovers pressure. Although a single header parried away by Owen Goodman was the closest, they got before the Dons nearly took the lead in the twentieth minute. A bitty and non-flowing half eventually concluded, and the game was goalless.

    The second half started with an absolute screamer from Josh Newfield. To be fair the goal was the least he deserved as he was perfect for most of this game. Cutting the ball back inside taking it into the penalty area looking up seeing a space and cracking the ball into the top left corner. Keeper had no chance, absolute screamer. Rather than galvanising the away side this kind of put them out of their stride and they got annoyed and frustrating. Giving away a penalty and then getting a man sent off late on meaning the home side cruised to the three points. On to stadium M.T. next week where I won’t be going to so there may be a break in updates here. Here’s are the scores for the players:

 v Tranmere Rovers

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

33- Isaac Ogundere (8), [Sub 82min: 31- Joe Lewis (8),] 

41- Sam Hutchinson (8),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

39- Joe Piggott (8),  [Sub 63 min: 18- Marcus Browne (7),]

10- Josh Kelly (8), [Sub 82min: 29- Aron Sasu (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (8), 

#- Official (8).

 Episode 16 - Tuesday 31st December 2024

 Master of dark arts...

Here I am again on a cold winter's day, sat in me shed in me slippers trying to put my thoughts into words from last night's game. Firstly, I need to cover some history in terms of recent games where referees seemed to be out to get us, decisions have gone against us the whole time, and particularly the big decisions at important moments of games. Resulting in at least six points being removed from us and sent elsewhere in the league. To the point where I was starting to think it was an EFL plan to gang up against us or something seriously untoward. The second part of this the the fact that (I will let you read back over my blog posts to confirm 'cause I'm not going to) I have bemoaned about our lack of ability of the dark arts for a long, long time. Now I will begin talking about last night's game.

              I will begin by being blatantly honest and say how lucky we were to get that win last night. Now, that goes down to a couple of things. Firstly, I don't think the referee was particularly good, but I will happily accept it when it goes in our favour because in recent weeks it never has. Secondly, we did a real number on Gillingham since they have a reputation of bully boys in this league, we were masters of the dark arts. This second point makes me a bit ambivalent about the result. Matty Stevens scores of his forearm in the only goal of the game. John-Joe O’Toole WWE throws a few of their players around and I assume had completely lost his cool and was substituted off at half-time. Thirdly the number of off the ball incidents that are appearing on social media are growing and it shows us in a negative light. We got the three points but are the League 2 fans going to turn against us. Well, lets be honest whichever league we are in the rest will hate us until we are out of it. Then the fondest will grow a little bit more.

              I feel a little bit of a hypocrite as we travelled to the game, I said the three points are the most important thing about tonight – full stop- then we get the three points, and I am a bit concerned about did we do it in the right way. Then I realise that I do not have the right to criticise now after asking the footballing gods to do something they do it and then I nitpick about how the result came about. So right now I'm not going to gloss over anything negative, I'm not going to hide from it either, no I don't think the goal should have stood, they should have had a penalty arguably. However, we've had plenty turned down recently, and blatant ones at that  and we are told that the rub of the green will come back around again so this was just our time to get the fortune of the poor officials and last night we got that and I’m not hiding that fact, we got lucky. The teams in League 2 know Gillingham are the bully boys and I think we started that way and continued throughout the game making less of a game but a complete war of attrition and literally fight. Was it a good advert for EFL League 2 for the TV audiences. Hell NO! It was good for us as we got three points, and we moved up to second in the table and that was all I cared about during that game. We end the year and will start new year in 2nd place admittedly many points behind Walsall but we are currently 2nd and there's about a single point between us and not even being in the playoffs at all, so this league is so tight and as last night showed its tough as well but we knew that before a ball was kicked this season.

              Moving on we look to January which is literally hours away and a window opens for transfer's which makes me nervous. Only because it will highlight what the senior board want for this club. If they want financial security, then once again for a January window they sell our best players that have managed to get us this high in the table. If they want league one football they will try and retain the players that have us in this good a position and potentially add to them. I am not saying we have the funds to add lots to the squad, but we have the funds to sign two players on really short deals could that turn into one player for the rest of the season on a six-month deal.

We were talking about the squad last night and who would we change. One point before I go on and say we have such an injury list that many players will be coming back soon including Jake Reeves who played last night which was great to see. Joe Lewis will hopefully be back soon along with Hippolyte so January might feel like we have signed a load of players just by getting players back from the physio bench and back in the squad. It will be like restart the season by the end of January slash early February. So sadly, the only player that for me is not carrying his weight (in terms of wages) is sleepy Joe. It really hurts for me to say that, as he is a Wimbledon legend and has done so much for this club but he's not doing it now he cost us goals and as a result games. At the other end of the pitch, he is not adding goals to our game which is his job. If I am completely honest it makes me nervous when he comes off the bench. We believe he is on a full season loan so cannot send him back in January to bring someone else in, but he is the only one. We've got plenty of youngsters out on-loan and I can't see us bringing them back because they're getting valuable game experience where they wouldn't if they come back to us as they would sit on the bench and wait for injuries to occur. That sums up the end of year feeling, lets take a breath and see what January brings here are the scores for last night.

 v Gillingham

1- Owen Goodman (9),

6- Ryan Johnson (6),  

5- John-Joe O'Toole (6), [Sub 45min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (8),] 

26- Riley Harbottle (7),  [Sub 79 min: 41- Sam Hutchinson (8),] 

11- Josh Neufville (7),

4- Jake Reeves (7),

7- James Tilley (8),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

19- Romaine Sawyer (8),  [Sub 72min: 29- Aron Sasu (7),]

10- Josh Kelly (8),  [Sub 89 min: 3- James Furlong (7),]

14- Matty Stevens (8), 

#- Official (6).

 Episode 15 - Saturday 26th December 2024

 Three in one for Christmas...

Hey, Myers why are you doing a three for one? Well I didn't bother writing up the Doncaster Rovers game report as I just couldn't be arsed. Then, because I didn't do it I'd pissed off the footballing gods which then meant that we had to lose away to Chesterfield even though we played very well and should have at least drawn the game. So in an attempt to appease the gods here is the review of the Donnie game.

As we were up against a side above us in the table and so far, this season from memory we have faltered and not through playing bad but just not being clinical enough and not getting the rub of the green and not the share of good luck. On this occasion we got the luck they had at least three one on ones and tried delicate little flicks that missed the goal or hit the keeper. We broke down there passing around at the back, where Omar won possession flicked it onto Matty Stevens to head the ball home. Then we were more than comfortable riding out the rest of the game, it was a comprehensive performance. It was a real confidence booster for me as a fan to see that performance because every time we’ve come up against a really good side, they've done a number on us. Walsall were probably the best comprehensively, but others the likes of Grimsby Town nicked a goal and then go into the delay the game and other sportsmanship, all the way through until they had got the three points and ran away. Donnie didn't do that however we had the advantages of the goal lead, and it was a really positive performance by all. I didn’t really have to the time to time to write anything up and by the time I was free before Christmas the Chesterfield game had rolled around and I just let it go, and I'll get to that next paragraph.

The Chesterfield result is all down to me and footballing superstitions all being failed by my poor planning and no matter what the side did it was all down to me. My fault and I am very sorry. As I didn't watch the game I won't be scoring that game so the scores below are for the Doncaster Rovers game where the referee was awful for simply not being consistence with himself. First rule of the game is kit and the playing kits cannot clash with each other the goal keepers and the referee. FAIL. Timewasting seems to be something that only we get judged on. They were so slow in everything before we scored and then we were being ticked off for doing things slowly yet we were still faster than they were in the first half. Consistently inconsistent, so frustrating OK I'll stop moaning about the referee (even when we won) to give you the scores and then move onto today's game on Boxing Day. Here's the scores -

 v Doncaster Rovers

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

5- John-Joe O'Toolel (8),

33- Isaac Ogundere (7),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

41- Sam Hutchinson (8), [Sub 61min: 26- Riley Harbottle (8),] 

7- James Tilley (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

10- Josh Kelly (9),

14- Matty Stevens (9), 

9- Omar Bugiel (7),  [Sub 84min: 3- James Furlong (7),]

#- Official (4).

Now eventually we get to todays game up against a Swindon Town side managed by the charismatic Ian Holloway. Last season our season came to a crashing end when ripe for the picking we were humbled away at Swindon Town which ended all hope of the play-offs. So to today...

How angry I should be feeling right now is not actually the case as I am too fucking cold in this shed to be angry. Lets get a brew on see if that warms me up, so as the kettle is boiling let me tell you that it feels like I have spent a lot of time this season moaning about the quality of the officials and today was no exception. She [yes there should be an 's' there] was so weak and easily talked out of a decision was obvious from the first half where if you got kicked up in the air nothing. Slight kick scream and shout and the whistle followed. Don't get me wrong she is not the reason why we played shit in the first half but she is the reason that after turning the game around and scoring a winning goal in the 90th minute that she gave as a goal, only to be talked into changing her mind based on the argument of the Swindon Town defenders is. The officials in this league have it in for us. You get a tough ref they are anti-us you get a weak one when you playing bully boys who use that against us. Way too many times have they fucked us over this season and its starting to feel personal when it happens week after week.

Even the gaffer in the post match interview has said that is the fifth perfectly good goal chalked off for no good reason. Imaging the points and place we would be in if we had decent officials in all in the game. Here are the disappointing scores for today and if you think she is getting a better score than the Donnie rovers twat then you are sadly mistaken.

 v Swindon Town

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

5- John-Joe O'Toolel (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8)

11- Josh Neufville (8),

41- Sam Hutchinson (8), [Sub 72min: 19- Romaine Sawyers (7),] 

7- James Tilley (9),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

10- Josh Kelly (7),  [Sub 72min: 29- Aron Sasu (7),] 

14- Matty Stevens (7), 

9- Omar Bugiel (7),  [Sub 39min: 39- Joe Piggott (6),]

#- Official (3).

I hear that this was her first league game and it showed it also highlighted to me seeing as we got a debut referee last season as well. That we are seen as an easy target for weak or poor referee's as we seem to have some real shockers here. They have an easy ride with us and all we do is whine and moan but they aren't lynched like in some grounds around the league. We were very poor today but that is down to the opposition not allowing us to play that is not our fault but when you are on an off day and still manage to get a result then that proves you are a good side. When that is stolen by an incompetent official for this level then it just grinds my gears. We take a point and move on.

 Episode 14 - Sunday 8th December 2024

 When the wild winds blow

I'm not sure if I should be concerned as the last time, I travelled away there was a storm warning that time was storm Bert. On this occasion its Darragh who is battering Wales as I write. For me right at this second, it's blowing a gale and sounds very wet out there.  I still have another 2-hour drive ahead of me and it’s still dark or there. Since my last update, the Dons were an injury time penalty away from being a point outside the promotion places. We are now a further two points back and heading to a tricky fixture away at Harrogate Town. Enter paragraph two...

The wind has blown, and the rain is now a constant, but its half time and the Dons lead 2-0. After a fast start for the home side that only lasted a few minutes before the huffing and puffing began. Things seemed even until a shock scorer as Josh Kelly notched one in the league. The away fans cheered on the storm. Better was to follow as John-Joe O'Toole headed home a corner. There was a nasty tale by their twelve and he should have been off after a dive in the box. I assume that was what kicked off in the tunnel as the first half concluded. As I write the second half hasn't begun. Here we go...

Second half began with the wind and the rain at the back of the Dons, and they spin aged to their tally with josh Kelly setting up Matty Stevens for a neat finish. The Dons didn't take their foot off the peddle as they scored a fourth which was ruled out by the referee and no, I have no idea why. 

More and more chances were created and missed whilst defensively they were very tidy. The home side created a few chances with probably only one (I remember) that was genuinely dangerous. It was dealt with, and any other threat was quickly snubbed out. 

This was honestly one of the most one-sided games I've seen in a long time. Composed at the back and in attack whilst the hurricane swirled around and the away side simple coped better. The second half saw the home keeper kick the ball in to touch so many times before he twigged and played it short. This was due to the wind stopping the ball in mid-air around the halfway line and take the ball off the pitch to the left. EVERY TIME!  This was never an issue for Owen Goodman who gave the same wind in the first half. 

This was to quote some school kids a bang tidy performance all round. Expect a very high average for the scores to come. For me I'm off to a Premier Inn for the night before the long drive home tomorrow. Hopefully the wind will have subsided by then. 

With an EFL trophy game followed by two tough league games against Doncaster Rovers at home and Chesterfield away to follow. This gave the team the chance to give young Harry Sidwell a run out. And I also got all the way through this without mentioning that their number 12 should have been sent off before half time. Dammit!! Here's the player ratings:

 v Harrogate Town 

1- Owen Goodman (7),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),  

5- John-Joe O'Toolel (9),

33- Isaac Ogundere (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8), [Sub 91min: 24- Harry Sidwell (8),] 

7- James Tilley (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

10- Josh Kelly (9),

14- Matty Stevens (8), 

9- Omar Bugiel (8),  [Sub 77min: 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

#- Official (6).

 Episode 13 - Sunday 1st December 2024

 Unlucky for some

OK I honestly couldn't be arsed to write this after the game last night. To say the lacklustre home performances continued again would be an understatement. This was slightly different as chances were created and not taken but honestly there was not that many. If you consider there was over thirty places between the two sides we should have created much, much more. The problem for me was all too clear to see and the frustration of the game was just that. Now I will get to that but first I will mention the three talking points first.

Why does the media crawl all over our goal potentially being offside but no director bothered to mention the two handballs to block certain goals. Sending off, penalty and a very different game. No one is talking about this.

Secondly since I've been watching football for cough years I think I've seen a referee going off injured and needing to be replaced twice ever. This season we have had two already. This one lasted 10 minutes before needing the magic spray. Three minutes later he was gone and a new was needed which always got a good laugh.

The non-league team beat a League 2 side and they were good for it. The players (Wimbledon players that is) coming out with comments like 'it just wasn't our night!' really grates on me and I don't blame the player that I heard that from. The daggers players defended like lives depended on it and they fully deserved a result in the game and that should have been a draw and injury time but they took their chances and we didn't. Fair play and go enjoy the wonderful draw you will get in the third round no doubt.

OK here is where I am on this shambles - I blame the manager and a few other players. It was a frustrating night from the Wombles and that comes from not doing what I know they can do. The conversation before the game was having the right mental strength to do the right thing and prepare and focus properly. They did not do this. When they attacked with pass, moving the ball around not just on the break we looked dangerous. we spent most of the game pondering how to break down the defence. They went backwards and around and around looking for the perfect pass. Then hoofed it over the top playing right into their hands. We were tentative and thoughtful, should I go as far as saying pensive. They were not the flowing offensive home side from the start of the season. They were slow and happy to go backwards way too much.

Then there was the keeper that you could argue cost us two goals. Letting a goal in which should have been saved. You could shrug and say oh well shit happens but after mocking the previous away keeper for punching when they could have easily have caught the ball. Then this week with the game on the line our keeper uses two hands to punch the ball into a group of players. What was he thinking let alone what was he doing. This may have cost us some investment into the playing squad come January so extremely costly decision that one. In a game where he really didn't have much to do he saved one and conceded two cheap goals. Was very disappointing. OK I shall just give you the scores:

 v Dagenham & Redbridge

1- Owen Goodman (3),

26- Riley Harbottle (6), [Sub 87min: 10- Josh Kelly (5),] 

6- Ryan Johnson (6),  

16- James Ball (7), [Sub 78min: 39- Joe Pigott (5),]

33- Isaac Ogundere (6),

11- Josh Neufville (6),

3- James Furlong (5), [Sub 76min: 3- Huseyin Biler (6),]

7- James Tilley (6),

21- Myles Hippolyte (6),

12- Alistair Smith (6),

14- Matty Stevens (7), 

9- Omar Bugiel (5),  

#- Official (8).

 Episode 12 - Saturday 23rd November 2024

 Polished Polish

Winter has well and truly kicked in as Storm Bert kicked in. The second big storm of the season and some fixtures were called off whilst this wet and slippery game went ahead. The away side came into the game second and on a great run of form which meant this was never going to be easy but being at home the hope and expectation was there from the home faithful.

The game started and for the first five minutes it was all Walsall. Wave after wave of attack with the home side was on the back foot and defending. Slowly growing into the match the Wombles took a grip of the game but did not really look like taking the lead. A very uneventful first half came to a close and the second started the same way with the dons creating the pressure. For the first five minutes then the away side to the initiative but the big difference here was they took the lead. The Dons came back at them like every time they'se been behind at home but this ten minute spell of corners, shots and a crossbar rattled ultimately came to nothing. As the game wore on the away side were professional enough to time waste and sportsmanship saw them to victory with relative comfort.

Strangely I was not frothing at the mouth and shouting and screaming like usual it was frustrating and annoying but as their goal went in I said that is the only goal going to be scored in this game and it was right (I wished it wasn't).

They were probably the best side we have seen at Plough Lane this season in the league and they were professional in their approach and probably deserved a point from the game but were selfish enough to claim all three. Its not all doom and gloom but just fucking frustrating again!! Here's the scores:

 v Walsall

1- Owen Goodman (7),

26- Riley Harbottle (7), [Sub 68min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (7),]

6- Ryan Johnson (7),  

31- Joe Lewis (7),

11- Josh Neufville (7),

7- James Tilley (7),

21- Myles Hippolyte (8),

8- Callum Maycock (6), [Sub 68min: 39- Joe Pigott (6),]

12- Alistair Smith (6),

14- Matty Stevens (6), [Sub 77min: 10- Josh Kelly (6),] 

9- Omar Bugiel (6),  

#- Official (8).

 Episode 11 - Wednesday 20th November 2024

 Cold!!

On a very cold night in South West London the mighty Wombles faced Accrington Stanley who had recovered from a poor start to the season and was on a rich run of form coming into fortress Plough Lane. Full of expectation and hope of a home win to try and gain back some of the lost ground after the fixture was originally postponed when the river flooded the stadium.

The game began and after a first half devoid of anything to get us excited about and many of the home faithful were seriously contemplating their choices in life. I for one was very cold and thinking of walking back to the car there and then. A mere thirty minutes later and I wished I had walked when I had the chance. Two nil down and fifteen minutes to go and the crowd turned against the referee to join me as I lost my shit with the twat in green at the 38th minute point. When Matty Stevens was fouled and landed on an opposition player when and gets booked for it. I mean the ref was consistently poor throughout. We (the home fans) took a sharp intake of breathe when a challenge went in on a Stanley player and we were hoping for our defender to escape a red or yellow. The ref didn't even give a foul. These confusing decisions flowed throughout the game with no cards for blatant timewasting yet bam yellow, bam yellow, any dissent or challenges got cards for the home team.

Pissed off and rather strangely not as angry as many around me. I think I was just cold as I accepted defeat and ready for a pissed off week ahead. The Stanley keeper punched a very catchable ball and then was completely out of position to stop a bouncy, farty shot from Alistair Smith hit the back of the net. There was a chance after all. Meanwhile the Accrington centre back was dead on the ground clearly killing time as the clock ticked around to 90 minutes and a further three minutes pass. It was valuable as we used the extra minutes to see James Tilley rocket a shot passed the poor Stanley keeper for a glorious equaliser right at the death. More high jinx happened after the final whistle when the self same centre back got sent off for being a dick. (That is a technical term!) 2-2 a generally awful performance with a positive result after being two down. Oh Stuff it here's the scores.:

 v Accrington Stanley

1- Owen Goodman (6),

26- Riley Harbottle (6),   

16- James Ball (6),

6- Ryan Johnson (6), [Sub 78min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (6),]  

3- James Furlong (6), [Sub 63min: 10- Josh Kelly (6),] 

11- Josh Neufville (6),

7- James Tilley (8),

8- Callum Maycock (6),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

14- Matty Stevens (6),

39- Joe Pigott (5),  

#- Official (2).

 Episode 10 - Saturday 9th November 2024

 Dank!?!?

So, we head back to the league for the first time in November and it was Dank. Kind of rain in the wind and not foggy but really not very clear. The word dank sums up so many elements from today. The journey stopping on the M25 was dank. Coming off the A3 to sit in traffic through Wimbledon was dank. The walk through the streets was dank. Getting to the ground later than usual was dank. The wombles performance was dank. The opposition diving and screaming whilst waving their arms was dank. Losing the 100% winning home record in the league was dank. Losing for the first time in the league since March was dank and the performance of the referee needs a fitting word to describe it as well... if only I could think of one!

              The game got off to a dank start with little opportunity at either end. If anything, the home side looked the most likely to score. Guess what they did as Home scored a perfectly good goal that produced a dank decision of the referee to disallow it. It did highlight what a coward he was as he gave more and more decisions in favour of the defending floppers. He overruled his assistants and went against the dons every time he did. He gave at least two goal kicks when defenders put the ball off and when he incorrectly gave us a corner when the mariners should have had a goal kick. As soon as the corner kick was taken, he blew for a free kick. Let me circle back around to the goal that was disallowed for Alistair Smith jumping for the ball with his hands by his side as the keeper jumped over his head and simply dropped the ball. If that decision was dank plenty more was to follow which I have already discussed.

              It was just one of those days when the better side lost to a smash and grab from a poor decision of our keeper caught in no mans land with the ball dropping between him and the last defender and just perfectly for their galloping forward. Chances were created by the home side, but nothing was taken and nothing like recent home games where dominance turned into chance after chance. Today was just lacklustre and dank, all-round and best not to mention too much really. It just a case of hoping that this was a bad day at the office and just a blip and not the start of the slide. Let’s cross fingers together shall we.

 v Grimsby Town

1- Owen Goodman (7),

31 - Joe Lewis (7),   

16- James Ball (7), [Sub 79min: 2- Huseyin Biler (7),]  

6- Ryan Johnson (7), [Sub 68min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (7),]  

11- Josh Neufville (7),

7- James Tilley (8),

8- Callum Maycock (6), [Sub 79min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),] 

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7),

14- Matty Stevens (7), [Sub 68min: 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

9 - Chaaban (7),  

#- Official (4).

 Episode 9 - Sunday 3rd November 2024

 The right way to end a shitty week!

Wow it’s the 3rd of November how can you tell? All the retail outlets have released their Christmas TV adverts and its FA Cup first round time. So you could imagine my surprise when I gave up a good evening of entertainment to watch the One Show on the BBC where they cut to the cup draw and the fact that we drew ‘them’ was bad enough but to get drawn away to them not only feels scripted but almost statistically impossible.  There we go the team must go to that shithole of a stadium once again. After playing them twice at home in the league this season and last the true Dons had won both of those occasions. Away has not been a happy hunting ground for the Wombles. With the old manager moved on the new man had seen a bounce in results for the home team so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

              The day started with one of the best shits I think I have ever had. After leaving the hotel after going to Port Vale last week the journey back was a horror show as my guts were not happy with me. The rest of the week was spent with rockets firing out my butt I felt cold and weak during certain points so after assuming that I would not be able to attend the wankledome. I got up and had a solid poo which I really don’t need to share here but it happened. A whole week later and I was celebrating which is why I wanted to share that. I got to go to the game after all.

              Weird is a word I feel I will be using a lot more in this section but sums up the atmosphere and feeling of the day. Really not sure what to expect we parked the car and walked to the game. Seeing Dons fans and cunts mixed in together in the car park. There were families with young kids eating on tables next to Womble fans. This would not happen at our place and a tenner a ticket prompted many locals to come out and support their local ‘team’ apparently there was 10,419 people paying to be there today. It certainly didn’t seem that many and they were not singing in the home end. To gauge this, they had 5,084 at their last home game and a mere 6,855 to face the league leaders at home. So, you can safely say that the extra 2,000 to 2,500 customers were truly there to see the Wombles. I can fully appreciate that, as that is why I was there.

              In we go and the I must be completely honest and say as toilets go it was impressive. Then there were the customers, and I call them that as it was silent in there for most of the game. When you drop your trousers to ensure that people attend for the tv camera’s then fans don’t go. They didn’t! The silence grew louder the longer the game went on. It was simply weird in there it did not feel like a football stadiums and it didn’t feel like an FA Cup game. They have had their glory days and now the locals are not interested in a team that is underperforming. Why? The answer is easy, and I’ve already given it to you. They have customers and not fans. Fans are loyal and want their team to do well. Customers want the same but when they are not, they aren’t really bothered and turn their back and to quote Why Don’t You “Go off and go and do something less boring instead” This was also evident as the steady stream departed the over sized bowl with at least 15 minutes remaining.

              So, to the actual game itself the (Real) Dons dominated and ran out comfortable victors and the home side like their fans finished with a whimper. It began very evenly before two clear cut chances were carved out by the home side. One fired well wide, but the ref gave them a corner and the other was when Alex Gilbey turned Joe Lewis and sprinted into the penalty area alone. Only for the short shorts of Lewis to gather up the ground and block the shot and scupper the follow up. Those aside the Don’s carved out chance after chance but failed to take any of them until moments before the half time break and Matty Stevens beat the home defence and give the away side a half time lead.

              Like last time I was waiting for the Scum machine to come out fighting in the second half to regain parity however it was never to appear. The Dons went from strength to strength and should have added three or four more rather than the single effort from Bugiel from magnificent work from Tilley. If you don’t believe me here are the stats from the BBC. The Wombles had eighteen shots compared to two for the home team. Which apparently both were on target, but you could have fooled me. To add a little icing to the celebration cake ex real team player Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was sent off for the home outfit which saw him leave the field to the echo chamber reverberating to the sound of Evan you’re a Cunt! Off he trotted pleased to be getting off the field as the home side crashed out of the FA Cup.

              Walking out listening to the away fans celebrating loudly and somewhat over boisterously, one thing was blindingly obvious to me the home customers simple just doesn’t get it. They don’t get it; they watch football on tv, and it is seen as entertainment. If you lose, you say oh well and tap the young ones on the head and say never mind. It’s all done. For me and anyone who genuinely cares a bad result can ruin your week it’s not forgotten in a blink of an eye. That’s the difference and when a club is stolen it matters to those who lose and doesn’t mean much to those to which it was handed.

              The draw was completed tonight, and the Don’s will face Dagenham & Redbridge in the second round. Here’s the player’s scores:

 v Scum

1- Owen Goodman (8),

31 - Joe Lewis (9),   

16- James Ball (8), [Sub 54min: 26- Riley Harbottle (8),]  

6- Ryan Johnson (8),

11- Josh Neufville (9),

7- James Tilley (9),

8- Callum Maycock (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7),

14- Matty Stevens (9),  [Sub 88min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),] 

9 - Chaaban (8),  [Sub 87min: 39- Joe Pigott (7),]

#- Official (6).

 Episode 8 - Sunday 27th October 2024

 Long drive ends in shit...

The day started with a shower and opening the windows to let some of the steam out a bug flew in. It was neither but something between a fly and a fruit fly came in through the window. It was skittish at best and was attracted to my face for some reason. Despite my best efforts it flew into my mouth. This was followed by the little test fighting for life at the back of my throat. I was unable to clear/save it. Eventually after heaving, coughing and spitting he returned to the outer world although dead to it. I think this summed it all up. 

The Dons go away to the league leaders and knowing how bad we are away the important thing is to not concede early. Keep it tight and feel your way into the game. Definitely do not find yourselves 2-0 down within the opening 14 minutes. And yes we did. Two breaks and the defence stretched a double blow. Things evened out a bit and we nursed ourselves to half time still two zip and nearly got one back when Matty hit the post.

Expecting a reaction, the Dons came out in the second back under the cosh as the home side liked to add to their lead. This was short lived as the Dons wrestler the dominance from the Vale and took control. Chances were coming into a well taken effort from Nuefville halved the deficit. We hadn't finished celebrating when the home side scored again 3-1 in a blink of an eye. 

From here on it was all Dons getting another you could smell the home end. They were in full blown panic mode. Playing to kill time, hoofing the ball anywhere the composure that had set them up so well was out of the window as the Dons piled forward. 

Ultimately, the equaliser never came but fuck me did we come close. Wave after wave of attack. Chances in the 88th minute, 89th, 92 and with 94 on the clock, there was a sequence of shot blocked, shot keeper saved in the line, a bit of pin ball. Volley his the crossbar, more pinball and it goes to the left and a bit of missed control and the ball rolls for a goal kick. 

There was fine for now pressure but it never turned into a goal and the away days concerns roll on for another week. Scum up next,  should I actually go? You know what I may just do that. 

A little tip for you when you get old. Don't write a report on a mobile phone in a hotel room without glasses. I got 2 hour drive ahead of me with blurry vision. 

Here's the players scores:

 v Port Vale

1- Owen Goodman (8),

31 - Joe Lewis (7), [Sub 88min: 33- Riley Harbottle (7),]    

16- James Ball (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (7), [Sub 75min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (8),]  

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (7), [Sub 66min: 2- Huseyin Biler (8),]

8- Callum Maycock (7), [Sub 66min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),] 

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7),

14- Matty Stevens (8) 

9 - Chaaban (7),  

#- Official (5).

It got worse as I was taken unwell on the way home so ended up stopping in every service station on route and by-passed the original plan of going to a football tournament and just went home instead.

 Episode 7 - Wednesday 23rd October 2024

 Shrimps for Tea...

I am pleasantly surprised to be writing about yet another home league win which if my sources are correct we are 100% for home league games. Which added to the 5 wins from 5 home league games is the fact we only conceded in that first game. Which was in the opening minutes of the first game at Plough Lane. A game in which we turned a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 victory. The home form must be some of the best we have witnessed in ages but we are fickle fans and will moan about the away form. Because that what we do!

Now I am keeping both feet planted on the ground as I am still not singing JJ's praises, I have sung his name, just a little bit but I am not won over yet. I am yet to be convinced although I am very impressed with how we grow into games and get stronger into the second half. I just wish the negativity away from home could go. Yes fickle I know!

So to the game last night the first half was a forgettable affair although we did create some clear cut chances that were simply missed or soft attempts that was easily seen off. By half time the crowd was showing signs of frustration, me included. Second half the home side showed why they were unbeaten at home and the away side showed why they were in the bottom two. I have to mention the thunderbolt from James Tilley that broke the deadlock which was followed by a bit of a gift and a well worked goals. The Dons ran out well deserved 3-0 winners and look forward to travelling to Port Vale this Saturday where they face top of the table in their own back-yard. I finally get to go away to a game and I chose this one! I may well be reporting back from the road. Wait and see.

Here's the scores from last night:

v Morecombe

1- Owen Goodman (8),

31 - Joe Lewis (8), [Sub 72min: 33- Isaac Ogundere (8),]    

16- James Ball (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (8),

11- Josh Neufville (7),

7- James Tilley (9),

8- Callum Maycock (7),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7),

14- Matty Stevens (8) [Sub 82min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),] 

9 - Chaaban (8),  [Sub 82min: 39 - Joe Pigott (7),]  

#- Official (8).

 Episode 6 - Saturday 12th October 2024

 Perfect Performance?

I wrote a big section about the ground and the flooding and then I decided against putting it up here as it is now very well documented in the press and beyond. It was a disaster but to think we have played a game back at the same ground within three of four weeks of the flooding is amazing.

The game went ahead despite some really heavy rain before kick-off and then again after it had started. The game turned towards the home side as early as the seventh minute when Matty Taylor’s header left the visiting defenders stranded and an early lead for the Dons. This set the tone for the remainder of the game (except the last 15 minutes).

This was one of the most comprehensive performance from a Dons side - period. It’s a long, long time since I have seen a performance like that. Now is the point I pour cold water over all the excitement I will add that Carlisle United are not just the worst team I have seen this season but one of the worst away sides I have seen at the New Plough Lane ever. They dropped to the bottom of the table based on this result. Added to that we have only played two teams in the top half currently in the table. (Fleetwood Town beaten at home and Bradford City goalless draw away).

OK OK! I admit I did pour water on an impressive performance, but I will add that this has been a very impressive start to the season and if you beat teams, they move down the table hence we beat those in the lower half. So, it’s not all negative and the future is looking good. I am even starting to warm towards JJ’s methods although this is a thin line and could break given a run of poor results. What is looking like a major factor in the success or otherwise of this season will be the January transfer window. If we have a good window and keep a strong squad, we could end up anywhere. However, if we have another one of selling all the assets of the squad (and I know we must) then we could end a place or two above the 12th we finished last season if we do really well. I honestly think this whole season could boil down to that one month’s deals. The season we went up the window brought in players that took us up. Every other season we sell players rather than bring them in.

Whilst on the subject of players here are the scores for today and see I never even mentioned that the referee only managed 17 minutes before pulling up and having to be substituted. Damn!

1- Owen Goodman (8),

33 - Isaac Ogundere (9), [Sub 89min: 5- Ryan Johnson (7),]    

16- James Ball (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),

11- Josh Neufville (9),  [Sub 89 min: 2 - Huseyin Biler (7),]  

7- James Tilley (9),

8- Callum Maycock (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (8), [Sub 89min: 3- James Furlong (7),]  

14- Matty Stevens (10) [Sub 71min: 10- Josh Kelly (7),] 

9 - Chaaban (8),  [Sub 71min: 39 - Joe Pigott (7),]  

#- Official (8).

Average so Far:

8.25: Josh Neufville

8.20: Omar Bugiel, Matty Stevens

8.00: James Furlong, Jake Reeves, James Tilley, Allistair Smith, James Ball, Myles Hippolyte, Riley Harbottle, Isaac Ogundere

7.75: Ryan Johnson, Joe Lewis

7.60: Owen Goodman

7:50: Huseyin Biler

7.00: Callum Maycock, Josh Kelly, Match Official,

6.80: Joe Pigott

 Episode 5 - Sunday 15th September 2024

 Oh what a perfect a day...

The day after the day before and I feel this will be more of a matchday than in the previous episodes. To be completely honest that with a new job I had pushed this game to the back of my consciousness. Even up to waking up on the morning of the game it wasn’t always in my thoughts. Getting ready it had crept in and driving to the game was all I could think about and thinking we could lose big today and that would/could wipe away last seasons joy. Full of fear and my typical pessimism we got to the ground. Playing scum is never nice for a Wimbledon fan and the thought of them lording it up in front of us was not pleasant. The game began with the real dons on top they could have been two goals to the good before they eventually took the lead. A back-pass was picked up by the keeper and the indirect free kick teed up Myles Hippolyte to fire the ball home. 1-0 up the Wombles looked like they could get another before a final 15 minutes of the half where the scum kept the ball and really started to look dangerous. Their entire game plan is to keep possession of the ball and play it around and around the box until they see an opening and then ping the ball into the box and score from that. What I was hoping before the game was that they continue in recent form of keeping possession but not doing much with it. They had had 60%+ each game but lost three of the five games played. It definitely happened as they cut through us more than once in a dominant second half. No chances were taken. They hit the post, and they forced Owen Goodman into a fantastic save late on, but the game was put to bed before that save. Thanks to a double from Callum Maycock. He took his chances, and the Dons ran out 3-0 winners.

              Meanwhile after the game the away customers vented their anger at both the players and the manager. Demanding that he is sacked which after just six games in a season seems excessive. But there is one thing that came out of all the online venom spat at their management team and players and it was just one word. One word that each one said when venting. That word was ‘MY’ they all said its my club. Get the manager out of my club. The players are fit to wear the shirts of my club. Whenever I speak to our fans, we say our, it’s our club it’s not mine its ours. We fought so hard to get it that the result against them really doesn’t matter. Don’t get me wrong we smashed ‘em and I love it. Its going to take a long time to wipe the smile off my face but the important thing is we have a club and now is the time to shine with it. It is an extremely proud moment to say that we contributed to this club we believed in this club and trusted those chosen to lead it.

              Little side note that was the biggest victory against them ever and one that will live long in the memory. So far this season of fear and pessimism appears to be all wrong and we may have turned a corner. Being top of the league briefly before the rest of the league kicked off was nice. The only negative on the day was that Jake Reeves went off injured and he does like an injury at this early stage of a season does our Jake. Anyway, here is the players scores from AFC Wimbledon 3 Scum 0.

1- Owen Goodman (8),

33 - Isaac Ogundere (8),  

31- Joe Lewis (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (7),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (8),

21- Myles Hippolyte (9), [Sub 87min: Callum Maycock (7),]  

39- Joe Pigott (7) [Sub 70min: 14- Mathew Stevens (7),] 

9 - Chaaban (8),

#- Official (8).

 Episode 4 - Sunday 1st September 2024

 A New Dawn

OK a new Dawn is going a little too far but I have to say with three wins and an away defeat to Bromley there are definitely green shoots. Yesterdays 1-0 home win against Fleetwood Town won't be getting newspaper headlines or making even then hardest of Dons fans celebrating like Wednesday night but for me it was much more pertinent. Not exclusively to last season but in recent seasons the performance yesterday would easily be a draw at best or more sadly that would have been a reversal or 1-2 result. Teams that come to hold the home side then get something out of the game usually would succeed.

Yesterday with somewhat of a nervy keeper the Dons defence held firm and kept a clean sheet. It would be nasty of me to point out that Johnson went off very early in the game and Ogundere stepped into the breach playing on the wrong side (for him) in a back three. Don't get me wrong this was not a smash and grab by the home side this was a dominant display with some (Usual) inept officiating where a second goal would have (probably) sealed a comfortable victory. Instead a single goal and the usual potential cock up costing us 3 points ever looming over the home side. Trust me there were cock-ups and rather than an equaliser appearing people covered and dug the team back out of the issue they created themselves. Here are the players scores:

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (7) [Sub 17min: 33 - Isaac Ogundere (8),]

31- Joe Lewis (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

7- James Tilley (8), [Sub 70min: James Furlong (7),] 

4- Jake Reeves (8), [Sub 56min: Callum Maycock (8),]

12- Alistair Smith (7), [Sub 70min: James Ball (7),] 

21- Myles Hippolyte (7),

14- Mathew Stevens (8), [Sub 72min: 10- Josh Kelly (8) ,]

9 - Chaaban (8), [Sub 72min: 39- Joe Pigott (7) ,] 

#- Official (6).

It is that early in the season that I am looking at every game and saying what implications it may have on the rest of the season. The Colchester game thoughts are below, I looked at Bromley in the league with concern. Now with two wins on the bounce we are now 6th in the table and with three wins and that 'blip?' against Bromley. We all know who we face next (Seeing as the Tranmere Rovers game is off) and in the context it the first against a heavy favourite for the league yet and this could show where we stand this season. Lets wait and see shall we.

 Episode 3 - Friday 30th August 2024

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Sorry I couldn't update on Wednesday night but with any mid-week games after travelling home for close to an hour I honestly cannot be asked to write anything. Then unusually this game was a Wednesday and I am busy on Thursday so this update has had to wait until now. I hope you appreciate the efforts. I will get to the game on Wednesday but I guess I should update the rather large amount of update between Colchester United at home and a midweek Carabao Cup 2nd Round tie. After the wonderful come back to victory mentioned below. We were drawn away in the 1st Round of the Carabao Cup to EFL new boys Bromley who I still have NOT forgiven for 'the incident' however we again go a goal down. Against the run of play before fighting back to a 2-1 success with many members of the squad who didn't play on the Saturday. Things and feelings were on the rise this might be the season after all!!

Then Saturday came and we faced Bromley again but this time in the League which to me and everyone else spoken to was more important and we lose 2-0 and all the fears and worries returned. What should we be expecting this season after all? At this point I had decided to not pay too much attention to the football I was on holiday and that took my focus away.

There was a lesser EFL Trophy game which had to be played in front of about 2,000 people. We won that one 1-0 with a goal with around 5 minutes to go despite having the better of the game it took a late one to win it. This had very little impression on my opinion of the season what was more concerning was the next league game which ironically came away where I was on holiday. Cheltenham Town. Well, I wasn't exactly on holiday there but travelling home on Saturday we went right past Cheltenham that morning. Friends went to the game and watched us dominate the first half and not score. It continued in the second and then The Robins took control and looked to take the game away from the travelling Dons. It flips back to the Dons and Piggy scores what turned out to be the winner in a return to winning ways for the league. 1-0 win as we all turned our attention to Wednesday 28th August and a League Cup tie against new Premier League Ipswich Town who lets be honest made 10 changes for this match. Which said they still made five changes to bring on plenty more that had played against Manchester City at the weekend. The game turned out to be one for the collection. Should I start with the players scores.

1- Owen Goodman (8),

6- Ryan Johnson (7) [Sub 17min: 33 - Isaac Ogundere (8),]  

31- Joe Lewis (8),

26- Riley Harbottle (8),

11- Josh Neufville (8),

3- James Furlong (8),

4- Jake Reeves (8),

12- Alistair Smith (7),

21- Myles Hippolyte (7), [Sub 87min: Callum Maycock (7),]  

39- Joe Pigott (7) [Sub 70min: 14- Mathew Stevens (7),] 

9 - Chaaban (8),

#- Official (6).

The game itself began as I would many would have guessed with the Premier League side pressing for the early goal. Coming from former Don favourite Ali Al-Hamedi with a header. The marking on that goal was awful I might add. Having assumed the damage was done the Tracker boys seemed to take their foot off the accelerator allowing the Dons to start attacking. Scoring a perfectly good goal which was chalked off by the Premier loving officials*. The Wombles scored two cracking goals from headers from curling free kicks which were simply sublime. Taking a 2-1 lead into the final twenty minutes Ipswich went full blown panic mode throwing everything at the team three tiers lower than them in the pyramid. With some extra help from the officials who gave us nothing after the second Dons goal went in.

The equaliser came with about five minutes left which seemed to me down to a Joe Piggott missing the forward hiding (in plain sight) behind him. He raced ahead of the

Goodman to head home. 2-2 we go to penalties and the Dons win in front of the mocking Tracker Boys fans. We hung around to celebrate and the Dons head into the 3rd Round to face another Premier League side Newcastle United. The jury is still out but now I have a new panic ahead.

The new worries are extremely personal and due to the recently postponed Tranmere Rovers game. This away game I was not going to be attending anyway so why am I getting all hot under the collar about? Well, the game was postponed due to International call ups for three of our players. Which after being left short last season I am someone pleased about that, however. Having booked hotels for weekends away games, I am now in full panic that I have wasted a load of cash for games that won't happen. So join me as I work out the potential issues below:

Weekends Booked:

26th October - Away v Port Vale

16th November - Away v Barrow AFC

7th December - Away v Harrogate Town

International Weekends:

7th-15th October - Phew shouldn't effect the Port Vale game. (Thank F*** for that)

11th - 19th November - FFS - Wasted a ton then!

December - There are no international weekends in December (Thank F*** for that)

*- OK I have seen the offside goal again and its offside although the player that was offside was not involved directly in the goal he was in the middle and in an offside position. There I said it.

The arrow (Red & Yellow) points to the ball just as it was played and the defensive line in yellow. Matty offside but never touches the ball.

Episode 2 - Saturday 10th August 2024

 The Beginning

The opening game of the season is over and done with and were all my fears and worries put to bed? Yes and no. Let me share my WhatsApp updates from todays game -

55 seconds into the new season... 0-1.. long season ahead

8 minute's 50 seconds... 0-2..

12 minutes 1-2...

30 mins... 2-2

37 mins 3-2 penalty

53 mins Dons 4 United 2...

That was not just a remarkable turnaround but also an amazing performance by many of the players and the new ones were impressive too. Should I do the players scores now? OK What the hell lets go for it:

1- Owen Goodman (6),

3 - James Furlong (9),

4- Jake Reeves (9),

6- Ryan Johnson (7),

9 - Chaaban (8), [Sub: 39- Joe Pigott '76 (6)],

11- Josh Neufville (8),

12- Alistair Smith (9),

16- James Ball (8), [Sub: 8- Callum Maycock '88 (6)],

14- Mathew Stevens (8),

31- Joe Lewis (7),

33- Isaac Ogundere (7),

#-Official (7).

I think that is a fair assessment for today and I will get to what surprised me today once I get to give you my actual views. Herewith behold my opinion - I went into this game full of concerns that this season would be a bad one and spent dragging along the bottom of the table. Today I really thought Colchester could be potentially title contenders with the money they have spent and a whole new squad brought in. The summer for us has been unimpressive and my fears were awoken after 55 seconds when an unmarked Ben Goodliffe had his pick of the goal as he dove low to meet the cross and smash it into the back of Goodman's net. Worst was to follow as Ben Goodliffe did exactly the same thing in the 9th minute. I have to be honest here Colchester was in complete control, at that point it looked like they could get 6 or 7 today. Then we get a half chanced helped into the net

by James Ball and all the confidence evaporated from the away side. From about 20th minute onwards it was all the Dons. They scored 3 before the half and after a fast start for United in the second half they faded even quicker and the Dons extended their lead to 4-2 and ultimately ran out comfortable winners.

The season is 46 league games and we have had one so I am not going to gush over one result and start claiming this a wonderful season but it is nice to start the season with a win we have three away games on the bounce and I won't be attending any of them. Away v Bromley (League Cup), Away v Bromley & Away v Cheltenham Town in the league. Oh yeah I forgot the home game against Wycombe Wanderers in the Bristol Street Motors trophy. By the time I return to Plough Lane we could be out of a cup competition and back near the bottom of the table. So I ain't out tonight celebrating the wonderful season we are about to have. I will be waiting for a better number of games before passing judgement.

Basically, fantastic start but the jury is still out.

Episode 1 - Monday 5th August 2024

 The Return is Nearly Here

Here we are the Monday before the big kick-off this coming Saturday and I have seen some massive steps backwards with this squad. For a change I have not got involved with any pre-season shenanigans I have looked at how the season ended and watched all the players that I thought would be leaving - leave and those that I wanted to sign or stay signing for Port Vale, Motherwell or Colchester United. I might add Lyle Taylor was not one I was desperate for which equally makes me feel the exact same way when we signed Don's legend Joe Piggott. Don't get me wrong this is not a negative but a concern that we signed people for non-footballing reasons and they wanted to return for similar reasons. This could all be crazy talk. Whilst money talks in most divisions League 2 feels very much like it will be brought this season. Whilst so many notable teams have spent big bucks to secure players that we could only dream of those same teams finished below us last season. Every season I get to this point (days before the start) and I feel like this could be our season. We could defy the odds and make a run for the play-offs. This season begins in my traditional way of firstly looking at teams we should be finishing above. Last season I was pessimistic but thought we might get a mid-table finish if we did well. Ultimately that is exactly where we ended up, but we ended there in disappointment. rather than joy. To say we tailed off again in the second half of the season would be another understatement. This season I am fearing a relegation battle and I personally will need to see something to lighten the prospects early on. As we limp into the new season on the back of two defeats to teams in the League below us added to that the quality of the squad simply doesn't seem that of last season and low on confidence this could be a bad start followed by a negative run to get the season up and running.

On a personal note I am aim to be going to more away games than last season this season, with more teams that are on my hit list with the aim of completing the 91!! With the likes of Barrow AFC, Harrogate Town, Morecombe & Port Vale that I have yet to travel to. Then there is the prospect of returning to some clubs with friends near by or other reasons such as Newport County, Doncaster Rovers, Bromley and Chesterfield. These are all possibilities and some have already had hotel's booked ready for the fixtures. Sorry I digress but you should be used to that already really.

Accrington Stanley, Barrow, Crewe Alexandra. Salford City, Swindon Town, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall are all sides I would like to say that we could compete with but I fear for this squad already. So I now start to scramble and look for at lease two teams worst than us and Morecombe spring to mind with their financial issues then you have to look at last season to see Grimsby Town and hope they have another mare despite playing some fantastically neat football. I |fear and worry for this season without seeing the new boys play so there is an element of maybe ignorance is bliss and this season might just be a surprise but giving a manager a new contract ahead of a season collapse to fall out of the play-offs with weeks to spare and then let our best players go to the annoyance of the manager really does not bode well. Time will tell and I will be scoring the players as usual and giving my views of the game without the full blown match report of yesteryear. Lets try and enjoy it shall we?