AFC Wimbledon gifted Hartley Wintney two goals as they slipped 13 points behind leaders AFC Wallingford in the Combined Counties League.

Hartley Wintney took the lead after 29 minutes when Danny Oakins' attempted backpass got stuck in the muddy pitch and Ian Dorkin rounded Merry and tapped home from close range.

The Dons mustered a few chances, but lacked creativity with Noel Frankum struggling on the right wing and Mark Nicholas looking uncomfortable in midfield.

Eames brought Gavin Bolger and Neil Robson on for Frankum and Nicholas at the break.

It nearly paid dividends. Robson's first touch was a floated free-kick into the box. Andrew Petty's glancing header beat keeper Warren Hopkins, but not Michael Ruffles on the line.

The Dons then laid siege to Hopkins' goal with Keith Ward's header going close after a good cross from Oakins.

Strike

Then Bolger's strike from the edge of the box was well-saved while Robson saw a free-kick smash off the bar.

From the rebound, the home side's David Sheppard ran down the right wing unchallenged before crossing for Alex Haddow to smash the decisive goal past Merry.

Hartley Wintney were able to sit back and defend, while Dons grew increasingly frustrated at being unable to reduce the deficit.

Bolger headed just wide, Oakins blazed over from six yards and Readings also hit a shot high into the evening sky from close range.

January 31, 2003 15:30