Wimbledon look to finish a difficult year on a high when they face Preston North End on Saturday.

Their season has so far been overshadowed by chairman Charles Koppel's proposals to relocate the club to Milton Keynes and the protests from fans desperate to see the Dons return to Merton.

Things have not gone as well as expected on the field, either, although it is difficult to say whether the off-field events have had an impact on this.

Certainly, there have been times when the protests have taken centre stage and many more words have been written about the supporters than the team this season.

The team have been inconsistent, but results like the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City at Maine Road prove they can beat anyone on their day.

David Connolly, brought on a Bosman free transfer from Feyenoord in the summer, has been an inspired signing. But the financial plight of the club is restricting manager Terry Burton, who has to keep cutting the wage bill while trying to produce a side capable of reaching the play-offs.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Connolly, but Burton said: "Top flight clubs are always linked with strikers like David, who are scoring goals on a regular basis. If he keeps scoring the way he has, he is bound to get attention from Premiership clubs. But I have not received an approach for him from Sunderland."

Burton was less happy with the decision by Wimbledon's directors to allow David Niel-sen to join Norwich City on loan.

"I was told David leaving was for financial reasons, because he's out of contract at the end of the season. His move was disappointing because, over the Christmas period, you need your squad players and especially your strikers."

Saturday's match with Preston North End is likely to be a difficult one. The Lancashire side, beaten in last season's play-off final, made a very poor start to this campaign before going on an excellent run which has lifted them to the fringes of the play-offs.

It is the sort of match the Dons must start winning if they are to maintain their own top-six ambitions.

Children under 16 and the over 60s can take advantage of £1 admission to the game.

These tickets can either be pre-purchased or bought on the day of the game.

Call the box office on 020 8771 8841.

December 27, 2001 15:30