With the Dons out of the FA Cup, Dave Anderson had stated his desire to put in a serious challenge for the four remaining cup competitions, as well as the Ryman Premier League, but given the physical and hard-fought early season 1-1 at The Fans' Stadium - Kingsmeadow, this wasn't a game that could be taken lightly.

Regardless, Anderson shuffled his pack and gave Josh Lennie his first-team debut in place of Andy Little, and gave Simon Sobihy and Sonny Farr run outs in place of Antony Howard and Dwayne Plummer.

And the Dons got off to a perfect start when Steve Butler headed in with just six minutes on the clock. However, just minutes later the Dons suffered their first set-back as Chris Gell was forced to leave the pitch with blood streaming from his head. In a surprise move, Gell was replaced by Antony Howard with Steve Butler pushing on to the central midfield role he had played early on in his career.

Midway through the fist half Wimbledon went close to doubling their lead. A penetrative run by Farr drew the Staines defence and his threaded pass sent Barry Moore clear through. However, Moore seemed to have too much time to pick his spot and his curling effort didn't dip enough to hit the target with keeper Allaway beaten.

The home side refused to rollover and die, and began to attack on the counter, creating several half-chances of their own. Guy missed the target when unmarked, and debutant Lennie had to be alert to save from King. As the first half ticked to an end, both sides put together some sweeping moves without really threatening, and the Dons looked good value for their 1-0 lead.

As the Dons came out for the second period, it was immediately obvious that they had been instructed to go for a killer second goal. Allaway was tested again as he had to had to push a 20-yard Butler shot around the post. Then Simon Sweeney and Shane Smeltz combined to cross for the onrushing Butler whose touch just sent it the wrong side of the upright.

After a prolonged period of pressure, the Dons' dominance finally paid off in the 75th minute.

Having collected the ball in his box, a quick thinking Lennie throw out set Sweeney off down the right. Sweeney found Butler with a short pass, and he headed towards goal, before f switching the play to Farr on the left. Farr took a touch then fired the ball over the back-peddling Allaway and into the net from 20 yards to set the Dons' faithful rejoicing something of a wonder goal. Whether it was a cross or a shot, the goal stood.

With only 15 minutes left on the clock, Staines wasted no time in taking the game to Wimbledon. Lennie was called into action a further couple of times, producing one' outstanding reflex save from a 15-yard screamer.

However, the Dons weathered the storm and 2-0 was to be the final score and AFC Wimbledon find their name in the hat for the last 16 of the cup, and with a very real chance of further progression.