Dons Frustrated By Newport Display

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Wimbledon 2 v Newport County 2

Wimbledon’s stay at the top of the Conference table lasted just two days as Newport emerged from Kingsmeadow with a point on Monday (30 August).

The Dons had gone top with Saturday's 3-2 win at Eastbourne but Newport proved tougher opposition. Now managed by ex-Wimbledon striker Dean Holdsworth, the Welshmen put up a resolute display and never allowed Wimbledon to get into their stride.

The Dons were somewhat fortunate to find themselves a goal up after 16 minutes. They had barely threatened the Newport goal before Sammy Moore was fouled in the box, with Danny Kedwell stepping up to rifle home a penalty that goalkeeper Glyn Thompson got a hand to but could not keep out.

But less than ten minutes later the visitors were level with a penalty of their own, Ismail Yakubu being adjudged to have fouled inside the area for a spot kick despatched by Andy Reid.

The Dons regained the lead on 56 minutes, when Steve Gregory released Kedwell whose angled ball to the far post was turned in by Christian Jolley, a deserved goal for the midfielder to mark his recent fine performances.

This time the Dons retained the lead until 11 minutes from time. Ismail Yakubu was beaten in the air to Thompson's long ball forward and, with Hatton dallying, Reid nipped in to slot the ball past Seb Brown to restore parity.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Dons who never found a way to overcome Newport’s determination to leave Kingsmeadow with a point. They will be hoping for better this Saturday when they travel to Kettering Town.

• Centre-back Brett Johnson is likely to be absent for three to four weeks after being forced off against Newport by a medial ligament injury.

Wimbledon: Brown, Hatton, Blackman, Gregory, Yakubu, Johnson (Minshull 45), S. Moore, Wellard (Yussuff 67), Kedwell, Main (L. Moore 69), Jolley. Subs not used: Turner, Jackson.

Goalscorers: Kedwell 16, Jolley 55.

Booked: Hatton 13, Blackman 17, Jolley 52, Kedwell 52.

Newport County: Thompson, Bignot, Collins, Warren, Todd, Rose, Reid (Rogers 90), Henry (Knights 73), Odhiambo, Matthews, Morgan (Taggert 46). Subs not used: Garner, Thorne.

Goalscorer: Reid 25, 79.

Booked: Odhiambo 15, Bignot 32, Warren 52, Matthews 60.

Attendance: 3,828

Referee: Ian Cooper (Kent).

Rob Crane

September 10, 2010