Lucky! Wimbledon 0-1 Cardiff City - Report

Gary Croft got the only goal of the game in the 15th minute. The build up to his strike was controversial as it looked as if Gavin Gordon, who was picked ahead of Peter Thorne today, had purposely handled the ball. Croft's in-swinging cross from the right missed everyone in the penalty box and floated into the net.

City should have taken advantage of the early lead, and gone on to look for more against bottom placed Wimbledon, but complacency in the ranks let the Dons get back into the game with a series of opportunities before the break.

Nigel Reo-Coker had an excellent chance to restore parity, when he ran through the City defence into the penalty area, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Ben Chorley also went close with a low drive, but despite Wimbledon's improvements as the half progressed, they failed to create many chances.

Mark Bonner was booked towards the end of the half for a foul on Don's playmaker Reo-Coker. Bonner played in the centre of midfield, with John Robinson alongside him. Richard Langley and Julian Gray played on the flanks, but it was clear to all of the 1,500 travelling supporters what a massive influence skipper Graham Kavanagh is, and he was clearly missed today.

From the resulting free-kick, Reo-Coker sent a hard drive towards goal, but it was well held by Neil Alexander who dealt well with everything that was thrown at him. The Edinburgh-born 'keeper showed no loss of morale, despite being dropped from the Scotland bench for both legs of the European Championship play-offs against Holland last week.

Wimbledon enjoyed a lively start to the second period and began causing the Bluebirds defence problems. Captain on the day Tony Vidmar and Daniel Gabbidon were kept busy as the home side began to really take the game to the City. McAnuff, who improved dramatically as the game went on, sent a low pile driver towards Alexander but the Scotsman did well to palm the shot past the post.

The Dons, enjoying life in their new Milton Keynes home, dominated possession for the entire half, but found it difficult to create many chances. McAnuff was causing all sorts of problems for the City defence with impressive runs forward, but his side looked punch-less upfront, and the home supporters seemed delighted at the introduction of Dean Holdsworth in the closing stages of the game.

The arrival of the experienced Holdsworth worked as a real lift to Wimbledon, but despite a surge of late pressure, they couldn't find the equaliser, despite deserving at least a point. This was a lacklustre performance from the Bluebirds, who were not punished for a complacent display, still a win is a win and the three points sees us finish the day in 8th place in the First Division. Today's opponents remain rock bottom.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect on my travels today. The National Hockey Stadium is quite a tidy stadium, although three of the stands are uncovered! Although I would never want to see franchising in the British game, it's good to see Wimbledon getting some people through the gates. There fans had a good go at creating an atmosphere in the wet weather, but it's clear that the new fans from Milton Keynes do not yet have the 'football culture' about them.

Sam Hammam did not receive the hostile reception many expected, mainly because the majority of the old Dons fans are now enjoying non-league football at AFC Wimbledon! There were a few boos from 'old' Wimbledon fans, who I believe all sit together in the only covered area of the ground!

Next up for the Bluebirds is the visit of league leaders West Bromwich Albion to Ninian Park on Tuesday. The Baggies, who drew 0-0 with Reading this evening, will easily take all three points off City if the Bluebirds repeat today's performance, so things undoubtedly must improve.

Full Time - Wimbledon 0-1 Cardiff City

Wimbledon: Banks, Darlington, Herzig, Leigertwood, Lewington, McAnuff, Reo-Coker, Chorley, Nowland, Small, Agyemang. Subs: Holdsworth, Martin, Gray, Gier, Harding.

Cardiff: Alexander, Croft, Vidmar, Gabbidon, Barker, Robinson, Bonner, Langley, Gray, Gordon, Earnshaw. Subs: Prior, Campbell, Thorne, Boland, Margetson.

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