Wimbledon and Watford further lessened their play-off hopes after a
desperately poor goalless draw at Selhurst Park.
Gianluca Vialli, who transfer-listed five of the Hornets' top earners last
week, failed to get the improved performance he was looking for after a sequence
of results that have all but ended his club's promotion hopes.
And the Dons' four-and-a-half year winless midweek hoodoo continues as they
failed to threaten the Watford goal throughout a thoroughly unentertaining
match.
The hosts' midfield lacked a creative touch without Northern Ireland
international Michael Hughes as a resolute Watford rearguard gave very little
away.
Chances were few and far between with Wimbledon striker Neil Shipperley the
only player to test Watford goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain throughout the entire
first half-hour.
On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant was looking to grab the headlines
and regain a place back in Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's team, but not even his
skill could craft an opening for the Hornets.
The fourth official's indication that there would be one extra minute of added
on time was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, as the half-time coffee
seemed a more attractive proposition than the match.
Despite Wimbledon manager Terry Burton's desperation to gain maximum points by
throwing on an extra attacker, the Dons were left frustrated by a determined
second-half defensive display by the Watford back-line.
The home team were unable to carve out any meaningful opportunities, with only
a weak David Connolly effort to show for the second 45 minutes' worth of toil.
Teams:
Wimbledon: Davis, Holloway, Cunningham, Andersen, Hawkins, Ardley, Francis, Mild, Cooper (Morgan 77), Shipperley, Connolly (Agyemang 72).
Subs Not Used: Willmott, Darlington, Feuer.
Booked: Mild.
Watford: Chamberlain, Doyley, Wayne Brown, Cox,
Robinson (Galli 71), Pennant, Okon, Hyde (Hand 67),
Nielsen (Cook 68), Smith, Noel-Williams.
Subs Not Used: Baardsen, Gayle.
Booked: Okon.
Att: 5,551
Ref: M Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).
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