Wimbledon striker Jason Euell scored twice for the Dons at Selhurst Park as
the London outfit claimed only their second home league win of the season.
The margin of victory was closer than it should have been, after the Dons
conspired to miss a glut of first-half opportunities.
Despite the absence of John Hartson from the Dons starting line up, they did
not lack fire power and the combination of Euell and Wimbledon home grown talent
Patrick Agyemang caused the visitors problems all afternoon.
An injury to Par Karlsson after only five minutes looked as though it would
add to the tale of woe Dons boss Terry Burton has suffered this season at
Selhurst Park but his enforced exit and the addition of Marcus Gayle proved to
be the catalyst for victory.
After a glaring miss from Wimbledon centre half Dean Blackwell in the first
minute of the game, the Dons dominated the opening period only allowing Preston
one strike at goal.
After an embarrassing miss on eight minutes by Agyemang, Wimbledon took the
lead just after the quarter hour through Euell.
The Wimbledon striker, who has been subject of much transfer speculation this
season, took his tally for the season to 13 goals as he capitalised on some
indecision by Preston keeper David Lucas to give his side the lead.
The Dons leading scorer could have had a hat-trick by the break but a
combination of smart keeping by Lucas and poor finishing meant the home side
only led by a single goal at the break.
Despite defensive reorganisation by Preston boss David Moyes at the interval,
Wimbledon doubled their lead five minutes into the second period.
Trond Andersen picked out Euell in the middle of the Preston penalty area, who
at the second time of asking beat Lucas.
Preston caused the Dons moments of concern in the second half, Steve Robinson
had an effort ruled out for offside, before they finally reduced the arrears in
the 63rd minute.
Robinson scored a 20-yard free kick, following a foul on striker David Healy
on the edge of the Wimbledon penalty area.
This pressure proved to be short lived, as with five minutes of the game
remaining Dons centre half Mark Williams connected with a Neal Ardley corner to
give Wimbledon only their second victory in 18 attempts at Selhurst Park.
Teams:
Wimbledon Davis (Heald 45), Kimble, Blackwell, Williams,
Hawkins, Andersen, Francis, Ardley, Karlsson (Gayle 8), Euell,
Agyemang (Ainsworth 84).
Subs Not Used: Roberts, Holloway.
Goals: Euell 15, 50, Williams 84.
Preston Lucas, Kidd, Jackson, Murdock, Edwards,
Rankine (Barry-Murphy 58), Cartwright (McKenna 58), Appleton,
Macken, Healy, Robinson.
Subs Not Used: Parkinson, Morgan, Moilanen.
Booked: Kidd.
Goals: Robinson 63.
Att: 7,242
Ref: P Rejer (Tipton).
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