[Colum]

In the wider context of our club’s history, the score line of yesterday’s 2-2 draw against Doncaster doesn’t matter. But the fact that the game took place at all was massive. Back in January (just nine short months ago) I sat at the Dons Trust EGM and wondered if we’d even get another home game. Once again funding was the issue, yet somehow we got over the line. Just how this incredible club’s fanbase seems to tackle each and every obstacle put in their way, is testament to this club’s audacity to survive no matter what.

Last night I was a blubbering wreck on a couple of occasions. I was coping OK until the pre-match “We are back. We are home. We are Wimbledon” video compilation. What a positive message, and one that resonates throughout the football world that we’re a club that doesn’t just lay down and die. We don’t accept the FA Commission’s ruling, so what better way to stick two fingers back to point out the real Wimbledon football club.

As I said, what happened on the pitch was largely irrelevant. It was fitting to see Will Nightingale leading the team out, and you’d have bet your shirt on the Pig scoring the first goal. Doncaster should have won the game, but somehow we managed to score two good goals only our kind defence to allow a close game. It would have been the perfect ending to a dream day if we’d have held on for a win, but what was important was the occasion itself.

Now we can look forward to a vaccine being found, sports events being allowed to feature spectators, and a packed Plough Lane to cheer the Dons on. It’s been almost 30 years since I was last watched a Dons game there, so waiting a few more months won’t bother me much. When we can all do the same, I’m sure it will be another emotional day. Until then…

[Colum]

Seeing the words “Club Statement” on the OS is enough to send most fans fearing the worst. To find out it was a player who’d been charged with a sexual offence two years ago was bad enough, but the fact that the club only found out about it two days ago raises many questions.

Paul Kamalbayi has been acquitted of the offence, but serious questions need to be asked about his communication with the club over this matter. No doubt both the club and Paul will learn from this matter, and Paul will learn a life lesson in how not to act in public.

[Colum]

Will the real AFCW please stand up! Our away form seems capable to making us look like a good team, whilst our “home” form is as shakey as Mr Stevens himself. Not only do we seem capable (just) of holding onto a lead away from home, whilst we seem equally capable of shooting ourselves in both feet at home whilst blindfolded. Let’s hope this “home” form disappears once we actually are home. In the meantime, I’ll go looking for the playoff dates!!

[Colum]

The negativity directed towards the iFollow platform proved unfounded as I sat down to watch a Dons game on it for the first time. Registering was effortless (if a little user unfriendly) and the coverage was really fairly good. The on screen adverts for both clubs sponsors were a bit annoying, but you really couldn’t complain.

As for the game, well it was a great one for the unbiased. For Plymouth and Dons fans it was a roller coaster of emotions. Both teams will be wondering why they didn’t win the game, and both defensive coaches would be having nightmares.

The positives so far this season are six goals in two games, when last season we only scored 39 in 34 games. We look good up front, even if we’ve only played two of the promoted teams so far. Far sterner tests will come, but I like the high pressing game, the strong central midfield partnership that’s developing between Woodyard, Reilly, and Chislett, and the work rate of Pigott who at last seems to have found someone he can play with up front in Longman.

The negatives (apart from drawing two games from a two goal lead) include the defence. I thought Thomas had a pretty good game, but Kalambayi less so. I think he was at fault for at least one goal, but he’ll learn from this. I also feel that Nesta’s defensive work needs some work. He’s a talented player, but I think perhaps he’s better suited to a wider midfield role. As for Trueman, he couldn’t really be blamed for any of their goals and made a couple of good saves when required. It can take awhile for defenders and keeper to really understand each other, and as this was the first time they’ve played a league game together you can cut them some slack.

I’d have taken a point before the game, but like last week it feels like two points dropped. Six points after two games would sound so much better, and we’d be top of the table on goals scored. Oh well!

[Colum]

It now looks like any WDSA members have extra time to save up for that first visit to Plough Lane. Earlier today it was announced that gatherings of more than six people will be banned throughout England as of Monday. In one fell swoop, any chance of anyone seeing a live football game anytime soon looks very likely. Bugger!

[Colum]

…and in other transfer news, a certain Lyle Taylor has signed for newly relegated Millwall for a reported £80k a week and on a four year contract.

How can we compete with deals like that?

[Author]

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