2001
Saturday, 24 November 2001
Nationwide League Division 1
Selhurst Park
Attendance: 9,873
Ref: Phil Dowd
 
Wimbledon
0 (0) - (0) 1
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Dean Sturridge
1
Michael Oakes
18
Sean Connelly
6
Paul Butler
Yellow 42m
5
Joleon Lescott
Yellow 36m
25
Mo Camara
Subbed 90m
3
Lee Naylor
21
Colin Cameron
Subbed 78m
20
Shaun Newton
24
Alex Rae
27
Nathan Blake
Yellow 16m
29
Dean Sturridge
Goal 82m
--
4
Carl Robinson
Sub ((21) 78)(21)
30
Matt Murray
16
Andy Sinton
Sub ((25) 90)(25)
23
Ludovic Pollet
15
Cédric Roussel

On-loan Dean Sturridge pounced 10 minutes from time after Wimbledon had monopolised much of the game.

Dons goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was caught out at his near post - but his team were fuming at the award of a free-kick against them for a back pass, which they saw as a goal-saving tackle.

Referee Phil Dowd was the central figure as he booked seven players.

Wolves were bothered in the early stages by the pace of 20-year-old Jobi McAnuff on the Wimbledon right, but the Dons could not turn their early dominance into a goal.

David Connolly had a clear chance when he was set free by McAnuff but he sent his shot straight at goalkeeper Michael Oakes.

Neil Shipperley had a better chance with a close-range header but again, Oakes did well to parry the ball.

Wimbledon brought on Michael Hughes for the limping Hakan Mild after the break, and he quickly announced his arrival with a neat run past two defenders before cracking a shot just wide.

Wolves exploded into life with a searching cross from Mohamed Camara that was nudged inches wide by Blake.

The breakthrough came 10 minutes from time in bizarre circumstances.

Wolves were awarded an indirect free kick near the penalty spot after a desperate saving tackle by Kenny Cunningham on Sturridge was judged to be a back pass.

As 11 Wimbledon players faced the kick, Blake's shot was charged down and the danger seemed to be passing until Sturridge turned and tucked a shot inside the near post.