Wimbledon began their Ryman Premier campaign in convincing style with a 2-0 win over 10-man Ramsgate. After an impressive pre-season, young midfielder Sam Hatton started and he justified the hype with a brace.

In front of 2,829 football-hungry fans, Wimbledon attacked from the start. Leberl had a point-blank chance within a minute but his effort was saved. Steve Ferguson also shot wide after a Hatton flick on. The first goal came after just seven minutes when good work from Richard Jolly set up Sam Hatton who made no mistake from just inside the area. Ramsgate’s attacking options were limited due to a stubborn Wimbledon defence and it was not until the 24th minute that they had a shot on target. The lead was doubled soon after when once again Jolly set up Hatton to convert from inside the area after some defensive confusion. Wimbledon continued to press with Rob Quinn going close with a bullet header but the score remained 2-0 until half-time.

Only 5 minutes into the second half Ramsgate had their best chance of the game when target man Steffan Ball had a free header in the area, but he could only find the side netting. Ramsgate’s comeback chances were effectively ended on 58 minutes when Olly Schulz was given a red card for a two-footed challenge on Richard Jolly. The advantage of an extra man allowed AFC Wimbledon to finish the game without much trouble.

Ramsgate did try to push on and get something from the game but it only gave Wimbledon further opportunities to hit them on the break. Finn was particularly dangerous in picking up the ball in his own half and taking advantage of a stretched Ramsgate midfield. Chances came for Wimbledon as Jolly hit wide and Hatton missed his hat-trick when he hooked the ball wide after some clever work from substitute Karl Beckford put him clean through. A flurry of late activity almost saw the lead deservedly extended. Jolly saw another effort blocked and the follow up from Finn was saved at the near post. Webb also saw a point-blank header tipped over the bar but the third goal didn’t come and Terry Brown’s first competitive game in charge ended in a 2-0 win.

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