[shakermaker]

It's hard to sit down and assess this game analytically because of how much emotion was involved; it was almost like a cup game.

As usual we had a bright first half but passing around the penalty box was poor and as such created little. The Dons stepped it up in the second half and camped out in our half for far too long. In the end they made more chances than us but because we stuck to our game plan, Akinfenwa didn't get a sniff (well done Andy Procter) and we were fortunate that Tubbs left his shooting boots down south.

For once we're not left looking at the flanks in anger as Wimbledon tried to go long and central to Bayo time and time again, getting no change. Any time they did go wide, Adam Buxton mopped up and because he wasn't put under enough pressure, had the time to use his skill on the ball to get us out of any tricky spots. Going forward, Buxton barraged through from full-back to the edge of the area numerous times, only for no forward movement to make use of his position. Finally, as with the goal, James Gray correctly worked the channels and gave an outlet for the swashbuckling Buxton. It really was a quality performance and I hope we can use his ability to make assists to the full (that's two games on the trot now - look out Leighton Baines). Having Procter as another defensive cover option in midfield finally gives us licence to get Adam forward without leaving gaping holes at the back.

Equally impressed with Marcus Carver who refused to be bullied and ran their pub team hard men centre halves into the ground.

The final moments were difficult to watch as we were too nervous to keep our high line, which we should have done, instead slipping deeper with each Wimbledon wave. This called the fabulous Joanna Lumley into action and he responded admirably.

A tough day for the players but they coped and performed well.