1948
Saturday, 11 September 1948
Isthmian League
Plough Lane
 
Wimbledon
Les Dowding (2), Charlie Smith
3 - 2
Leytonstone
?

Aknock to Harry Fisher meant an early recall for Frank Lemmer, otherwise it was an unchanged side that welcomed Amateur Cup holders and Isthmian League champions Leytonstone to Plough Lane. Leytonstone included two newcomers, Kennell at inside-left, previously with Southend, and Wimbledon’s old Amateur Cup finalist, Len ‘Ginger’ Wallis.

Like the previous week at Walthamstow, the Dons started quickly. With only three minutes on the clock they had taken the lead after Jack Wallis sent in a high cross that Harry Stannard nodded on and found Les Dowding, making his Plough Lane Dons debut. He cut in and halted the ball and with Jarvis rooted he tapped it into the net. Five minutes later and the lead was doubled when Lemmer fed Jim Smith and his centre found namesake Charlie, who headed a picture goal before running out to shake the winger’s hand in appreciation. As Leytonstone fought back Kavanagh could have pulled one back, but his lightning drive was inches too high.

Jim Smith had the chance to further the lead immediately after the break, taking advantage of Wallis’ mis-kick to break through but he shot wide. The visitors reduced the lead when Joseph finished a spectacular run with a cross from which Kennell beat Haydock. A minute later and Woods fell while tackling Noble and handled the ball attempting to clear the ball. Haydock brilliantly saved Noble’s penalty but the centre-forward was following up and scored at the second attempt. Many sides would have buckled at this set-back, but Wimbledon was made of sterner stuff. Wallis pushed the ball through and Dowding nipped in from behind Nicholls and beat Jarvis easily and seal the first points of the season.