Jason Euell couldn't even wait a minute to underline Joe Kinnear's pre-match comment that the Dons stand a good chance of finishing in the top six this season.
The Wimbledon striker buried his 20-yard strike in Sheffield Wednesday's net just 49 seconds after kick-off. Flailing Owls' keeper Kevin Pressman never had a chance as the ball sped past his outstretched hand into the right hand side of the goal.
More chances followed in the next 15 minutes as first Gayle and then Michael Hughes shot wide of the post.
Wednesday's defence were run ragged during the first half and despite having striker Ekoku on the bench for most of the game the Dons had a number of good scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
At times the Yorkshire team looked thoroughly inept, the bright yellow boots of Italian Benito Carbone only serving to highlight his ineffectual performance.
Danny Wilson introduced Carbone's fellow Italian Paulo Di Canio at half time in a bid to give some attacking strength to his side.
Di Canio did eventually make an impact on the game. But his 84th minute goal came too late for Wednesday who had been two down since Euell's second goal, a 15-yard half-volley, found the back of the net just after the break.
Kinnear has announced he's been given £3m to spend on players. This can only add to his belief that the Dons will win a place in Europe.
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