Brown happy even though Dons fire blanks (From Surrey Comet)

Brown happy even though Dons fire blanks

12:46pm Sunday 13th July 2008

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Croydon Athletic 0 AFC Wimbledon 0

Terry Brown declared himself pleased as punch despite watching his side fire blanks to get their pre-season campaign off to a less than spectacular start.

The AFC Wimbledon manager wasn't overly concerned by the wayward finishing and a second-half no show against Ryman South opponents Croydon Athletic.

In a low-key affair watched by just under 500, the new-look Dons wasted a number of opportunities to open up their Blue Square South preparation in style.

But despite the lack of penetration, boss Brown was still talking up his team's potential.

He said: "I really couldn't be happier, really. I am delighted with the first 45 minutes especially - although I can see we perhaps need some shooting practice!

"I am also delighted that we've managed to get by without getting any injuries - that's always a massive plus.

"Yes, we missed some chances but I would rather they bury them on August 9 down in Newport if I'm being honest.

"Croydon is a great place to come. They've got a brand-spanking new pitch out there, even if the grass was a little on the long side.

"It's the first game and they're always like this.

"It doesn't matter how much running you do before hand, the players are always breathing through their arses after 10 minutes!"

Fielding trialists Michael Power, in attack, and midfield playmaker Aaron Wise from the start, Wimbledon could have been up and running 12 minutes in. Jon Main opted for power over placement when well placed and shot high over the bar.

Before long Main was involved again, latching onto Kennedy Adjei's neat pass but Rams stopper Michael Lidbury was equal to it.

Adjei, 20, was playing in the position usually occupied by Micky Haswell but the left-back's trial at Brighton has opened up an opportunity.

Adjei - usually more comfortable in midfield - showed his versatility with an eye-catching performance and set up Lewis Taylor for a go at goal with a raking pass.

Power did his chances of landing a deal no harm by then playing in Tom Davis, before his ball to Tony Finn's feet brought about an embarrassing miss by the winger.

Finn's half to forget was ended by another ballooned effort over Lidbury's bar seconds before the conclusion of the first period.

The second half was predictably disjointed despite the new blood desperate to impress on either side.

* Were you at the game? Leave your views on Dons' performance below.

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