Billed as a first eleven game, Dons sent down in effect a reserve team, with only Andy Sullivan, Darren Dobinson and Ali Russell surviving from the team that mauled Dorchester on Saturday. To add credence to the reserve feel, Trigger was in charge and Terry Eames watched from behind the goal.

John Ellis, signed during the close season from Hayes and Wade Falana, on trial after being released by Bromley, both made their debuts in the starting line up, Craig Sallas and Alan Trefry (ex Netherne Village) also made debuts coming on in the second half.

With Alan Devonshire putting together a strong Hampton side this year, this would never have been easy for a full strength Dons, and Hampton were ahead after only ten minutes when the offside trap was sprung, the Hampton forward was held back but the defence failed to clear the loose ball and ex-Wimbledon man Richard O'Connor snapped up the chance from the edge of the box with a fierce, low shot.

Apart from Ali Russell heading over Lee Passmore's precise cross five minutes before the break it was very much Hampton's game, although Dons were not outclassed.

Dons started the second half brightly, Wade Falana latching onto Russell's header to force a smart save from the Hampton keeper, Robin Berlyn, but thereafter Hampton took the initiative. Several chances fell their way, not least another breach of the offside trap that left two on one, although the Hampton forward shot against the post Jamie Angell was on hand to clear the headed rebound off the line. Moments later Hampton were unlucky when a lob from 25 yards was just over with Tony Smith nowhere.

The killer blow came with just ten minutes to go, Adrian Allen latching onto a ball in behind John Ellis, running straight on goal, rounding Tony Smith and stroking the ball into an empty net for 2-0.

[ --- wimbledonheritage.co.uk]