1946
Saturday, 21 September 1946
F.A. Cup - 2nd Preliminary Round
Plough Lane
 
Wimbledon
Ron Head, Tom Laker, Jimmy Nash
3 - 0
Carshalton Athletic

Laker and Nash were both doubtful, but both made the starting line-up - Nash returning from holiday to play, however Edelston was a late withdrawal, so Richfield was called up for his first start of the campaign.

Class eventually told as the Dons maintained their 100% home record with a straightforward victory in front of 4,300 spectators against Corinthian League Carshalton to progress into the next round of the F.A. Cup. Richfield crashed a shot on the run against the bar in the first few minutes and Stannard made a good opening for Laker, but he shot wide, then some good work from Laker set Nash through, but he was unable to maintain control and wasted the chance. Wimbledon continued to press and soon took the lead, Douglas setting Laker up and, when his shot was parried by Ferguson, Head was on hand to hook the ball into the net. Wilson had a chance to pull one back for the visitors, but headed over, and Stannard was unlucky not to increase the Dons' lead when he headed over the keeper only for Hill to clear off the line.

Both sides started the second half in a determined mood, attacking with speed and putting over crosses that evaded their forwards. The second goal proved to be the killer blow. Stannard ran on to a pass from Richfield, his attempt to beat the keeper ran loose to Laker who scored easily. He was clearly offside but, even though the referee was in a good position, the goal was given and Athletic's faded. Nash completed the scoring with ten minutes left, beating the keep to Stannard's cross from the left.

  • Wimbledon on the attack against Carshalton Athletic in the F.A. Cup