Brereton, Odell and Hunt returned and Corke came in for his debut whilst Parsons moved from full-back to the wing. It was a second defeat on the trot for the Dons, but there was no disgrace in this reverse as most of the Engineers players had previously played at a high level and could even call on England internationals on occasion (Three weeks later they were to travel to Gillingham and win 2-0).

Indeed, although the Dons floundered at times against their more illustrious opponents, the defence was outstanding and the home side even took the lead, Corke sending in a powerful free-kick early in the game that the Engineers left-back, Purvis, could only divert into his own net. This spurred the visitors on and they soon drew level, Gay taking the second of two chances during a goalmouth scramble. Cains was forced into several good saves but could do nothing to stop Boughton increasing the lead and before half-time Gay ran in a pass from Read for his second and the Engineers' third. Boughton also missed an open goal after Cains had left the goal open to punch clear. At the other end Parsons pushed a good pass through to Taylor, but he was given offside.

The Dons were better in the second half. Encouraged by an early effort from Taylor that Daniells appeared to scoop from behind the line, Odell failed to convert an accurate cross from Taylor and Parsons had two long-range efforts go close. Cains was again lucky when punching clear straight to Tunney who quickly passed to Daythorne, but he placed his shot over the open goal. The Dons almost reduced the arrears with a goalmouth scrum towards the end, but were unable to force it over the line before the keeper finally cleared and with Gardiner forced off with a pulled muscle Lemmer fizzed a shot just wide in the last minute.