Once again the Dons beat the opposition yet still can't score a hatful and STILL manage to let in a soft one. Predictable we are. Still, it was a nice comfortable win that should lift the spirits before we travel down to the Young Offenders on Saturday. And, as a bonus, the game was switched to Leatherhead's ground where they sell bottled Grolsch. I can't speak highly enough of bottled Grolsch. The game was also delayed by half an hour which meant I could drink even more. Apparently there had been some major incident on the M25 but a quick scan of the programme notes reveals the real reason. According to Chessington assistant manager John Martin, 'I hope that we produce a game that makes it worth missing Coronation Street'. Hmm. I guess then he either had no faith in his side or his video's knackered.

The Dons settled in quickly and as early as the second minute Chessington's keeper, under pressure, ballooned his clearance off an attacker, the ball flying out for a goal kick. It went a bit quiet after that, the play seemingly confined to Chessington's half without any real threat of a goal. The home side had their first attack after fifteen minutes and, their second a minute later, halted abruptly by Matt Everard. How we have needed some steel like that at the back. That was their last attack until the final minute when they collected the obligatory soppy goal.

The Dons took the lead in the twentieth minute, Gavin Bolger scoring smartly from a pass from the left. Thirteen minutes later the lead was doubled following a poor back pass; Danny Oakins heading home from the resulting corner. In between goals there was an announcement over the loudspeakers, requesting the presence of the Red Cross. Either that nasty Richard Hillman had been up to his spade wielding tricks in the bar or someone had choked on one of those rather large burgers they were flogging outside.

The play remained in the Chessington half as the game drifted off towards the break, Lee Sidwell having pretty much the last of the action, skipping round a challenge only to put the ball wide. Still, at least it was time for some more bottled Grolsch.

The second half continued just as the first had, the Dons on top and ten minutes after the break Chessington were clearing a shot off the line. Ten minutes later Wimbledon were three up, Sidwell again involved. Collecting a through ball he burst towards goal only to be bravely blocked by the keeper. Joe Sheerin followed it up; poking the ball home on the second attempt for what was hopefully a confidence boosting goal.
So it remained until the last minute. In an attack rarer than a show of mercy from Richard Hillman, Chessington grabbed a goal through Joe Leonard. I'm sure he deserved it. I could sound really knowledgeable and fill this report out by making comment on the formation or the tactics or even the runs made by our wide players but I would only be kidding myself. Let's face it; there are enough people already who seem to think they know better than Terry Eames. Besides, I only go to football to get drunk and shout at people.

So the final whistle went and we had the surreal spectacle of a Dons match without a booking or a Cooper goal, although he did have an effort ruled out for offside. Three goals, three points and enough time to get in the bar before the last train. Did I mention they sell bottled Grolsch?

[ --- Gavin Ainslie, http://afcwimbledon.co.uk/matches/reports/chessutd260203.html]