In the absence of Vic Bird, Jim Smith moved inside and there was a quick re-call for Freddie Gauntlett on the wing.

Wimbledon took the lead just after quarter of an hour in, Charlie Smith and John Woods breaching the defence and when the ball found Harry Stannard’s, his astutely passed return to Smith allowed the forward a simple touch through. Ten minutes later St. Albans equalised when Hussey out-jumped the visiting defence to powerfully head home from Sayers’ cross.

Nine minutes after the resumption Gauntlett was put through and calmly steered the ball past the advancing ‘keeper. St. Albans again drew level, centre-forward Sayers making a sparkling run and after completing a one-two with Hussey crashed the ball in from close- range. Three minutes later the Dons regained the lead, a move down the left-wing ending in a square pass that Charlie Smith took in his stride and placed beyond Sullivan’s reach. Another three minutes later Arthur Maggs punted a free-kick from his own half into the City area and Stannard cleverly deflected the ball in for Wimbledon’s fourth. The home side were stung and fought back with tremendous dash in a gallant bid to get something from the game. Jack Haydock pulled off several saves until, with eight minutes remaining, he was unsighted and helpless when Collings scored with a free-kick from just outside the box. Thereafter followed heavy pressure, forcing several corners, but despite the encroaching gloom Haydock saw and dealt with everything that the solid defence were unable to clear, making three sensational saves in the closing minutes to ensure the visitors returned home with both points.