A late, late deflected leveller by Danny Hylton gave Shots a draw they didn't deserve against lucky, lucky Wimbledon. No, you didn't miss-read that, Shots didn't deserve a draw, they deserved all three points, after totally dominating this match from start to finish. However, a combination of Wombles blocks and a succession of missed chances by Shots, meant that they had to settle for a draw.
This was the fixture that fans of both teams had been looking for most when they came out back in June. You couldn't make it up. The return of former Shots manager and now club legend Terry Brown to his beloved..if you'll forgive me..Recreation Ground, proudly bringing a Football League team here for the first time. And for the Wimbledon fans, a chance to pay homage to Holdsworth, one of the infamous 'Crazy Gang' that wore the Wimbledon shirt with pride, back in the 90's.
Holdsworth sprang a surprise in his team selection, giving young Adam Mekki a rare, but much deserved start, Peter Vincenti dropping to the bench, alongside Alex Rodman, returning from a recent knock.
Terry Brown got a great reception from both sets of fans......Holdsworth didn't...'Judas' they chanted.....prior to and during the match. Odd.
Shots began well, with Danny Hylton in particular, at his menacing best. Twice he showed excellent control, before twisting, turning and letting fly from long range. His first effort grazed the bar, his second flew a foot over it. Guttridge and Mekki also had efforts blocked in the opening exchanges.
However, after all Shots early dominance, yep, you've guessed it, Dons took the lead with their first effort on goal. A wicked cross from the left, guided brilliantly, by the head of Max Porter beyond the despairing dive of Ross Worner in the Shots goal.
Shots looked stunned, but gradually regained their composure and got on top again. However frustration was the word of the half, Shots went close, time and again, but it just wouldn't go in. McGlashan somehow missed the target from 8 yards, volleying over. Collins shot straight at the Dons keeper. Mekki had another shot blocked and it remained 1-0 to Dons at the break.
If Shots fans found the first half frustrating, it was even more so after the break....near misses, THREE penalty shouts, all turned down by a ref who appeared to see every innocuous looking foul Shots commited, yet missed, a nudge, a blatant shove and an off the ball trip by Wombles defenders.
You couldn't fault the effort of every player that pulled on the red and blue shirt, but in all honesty, the finishing was woeful. Shooting practice required for Shots this week.......starting with the basics....get your head over the ball when you shoot. Time and time again Shots blazed over, when it appeared easier to hit the target.
So, despite having played well in almost every league game this season, Shots still find themselves in the lower reaches of the League Two table and the lack of goals scored (just 2 in 4 home matches now) continues to be the main problem. "The way we are playing, we are going to batter a team very soon" said a relieved, yet disappointed Holdsworth afterwards. Let's hope that's this coming Tuesday at Hereford.
Shots: Worner 7, Herd 6, Jones 7, Morris 8, Straker 7, McGlashan 6, Collins 6, Guttridge 6, Mekki 6, Hylton 7, Rankine 7 Subs: Rodman Bubb and Vincenti used, Brown and Pulis not used.
Att: 4,110 (1203 Dons fans)