Wimbledon manager Terry Burton hopes to welcome back David Connolly and Kenny Cunningham for Saturdays First Division clash at struggling Barnsley.

Connolly and Cunningham were missing for last Friday nights 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at Selhurst Park because they were involved in the Republic of Irelands World Cup qualifier against Iran.

The Dons were rescued by Kevin Coopers clinical far post finish two minutes from time and, given the makeshift nature of the team, Burton was satisfied with a point.

I couldnt fault the effort of the players. When you are without two of your best players it shows, he said. We missed David up front. Hes our number one striker and will always score you goals.

I thought we also missed Kenny Cunninghams organisation and leadership.

Burton says Dons early season injury blues are easing, with Mark Williams and Neal Ardley nearing full fitness.

He added: Neal and Mark are back in full training after their injuries.

If you also count Trond Andersen, who has just come back, and David and Kenny, were without five of our best players.

That is half our team and for us it will be very important to have them back.

The Blades, who had previously failed to hit the net away from Bramall Lane for 597 minutes, took an unexpected lead on the hour when George Santos rose to head home a Shane Nicholson corner.

Wimbledon battled for an equaliser and were rewarded when sub Patrick Agyemang created the opening.

The youngster shuffled to the by-line past Nicholson and delivered a pin-point centre for Cooper to strike.

The goal brought some cheer to the 4,937 crowd, who during and after the game stepped up their protests against Dons chairman Charles Koppel and his plans to re-locate the cash-strapped club to Milton Keynes.

Burton preferred to talk about the game than supporters protests.

He said: This demonstration by the supporters isnt something the players or I talk about. Its a matter for the chairman and the club.

* Wimbledon Ladies stormed to a 6-1 victory over Berkhamsted at Kingstonian on Sunday.

Laura Smith gave them a 15th minute lead but Shelly Baker slipped in an equaliser.

Smith restored the advantage before the break and Sandra Hughes, Julie Kirk and Charlie Simm were all on target in the second half before Smith completed her hat trick.

Manager Fred Brockwell said: We now have a side with an average age of 21, which can only get better with time.

The Dons are at home to Arsenal Ladies in the London Cup on Sunday (2pm).

By.Russell Young