AFC Wimbledon progressed into the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy at the first time of asking with a victory over high-flying Hendon. Goals from Jason Goodliffe and debutant Mark De Bolla secured a 2-1 win.

The game saw a cagey opening with neither side really on top but it was Wimbledon who had the first chance. An impressive team move culminated in Daniel Webb releasing Finn behind the defence. The winger tricked the keeper into diving but from a narrow angle he could only hit the side netting. Goalmouth incidents were minimal and the crowd had to wait until the 17th minute for the next chance. Unfortunately for the home fans it was Hendon who attacked and after some clever build-up work Belai Aitwouakrim finished well from the edge of the area putting the visitors 1-0 up.

Even a goal didn’t really force a change of pace and, besides an effort from Webb which went wide, there were no shots on goal for 15 minutes. The wait was worth it though, as Jason Goodliffe made it two goals in two games, converting an Anthony Finn corner, to even the scores. This goal did result in a quicker pace and it sparked Wimbledon into life as they began to dominate the final 15 minutes of the half. A superb long-range effort from Webb was tipped round the post by Hendon’s number one and on 42 minutes the Wombles were awarded a penalty. De Bolla’s flick was blocked by the hand of a Hendon defender and the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. De Bolla converted the penalty he had won with a powerful, yet well placed, effort - just when Wimbledon fans were beginning to wonder what it felt like to see a striker score.

Wimbledon saw out the half comfortably and Hatton could have made it 3-1 when a Wimbledon corner was only half-cleared but his effort from the edge of the penalty area went narrowly over the bar.

Although Hendon were expected to attack strongly in the second half in an attempt to get back into the game it was, in fact, the home side that dictated the pace. De Bolla almost grabbed a second when his expert shot on the turn was saved and Webb saw a close-range header sneak wide. Hendon couldn’t seem to muster much attacking flair after a promising first half and it was left to Wimbledon to try and put the game beyond doubt. Hatton almost scored a spectacular curling shot from the edge of the area but the ball flew inches wide and Finn had a chance after a cross from substitute Steve Ferguson, but he could only find the stands.

In an attempt to save the game Hendon made two substitutions with seven minutes to go but still it was Wimbledon who dominated. In a final throw of the dice Hendon brought former Wimbledon hero Rob Ursell off the bench. The wizard was warmly received by the Wimbledon faithful and it wasn’t long before he was trying his usual tricks, winning a late corner in the process. The resultant set-piece provided Hendon’s best chance of the game but their captain’s header went narrowly over the bar.

There was still time for another Wimbledon effort when a good run from Ferguson allowed him to cut the ball back to Webb in front of goal. However Webb could only blast the ball over the bar.
The final whistle drew to a close what was a relatively comfortable win against a side that are proving to be a successful team in the Ryman Premier. Now the Dons must wait until Monday to see who they will face in the next round.

[ --- www.afcwimbledon.co.uk]