AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup journey is over after a 2-1 defeat at home to Premier League giants Liverpool.

Dons hearts were broken by former England skipper Steven Gerrard who, in his final season in the competition, bagged both goals.

A cup upset was on the cards when Adebayo Akinfenwa equalised Gerrard’s opener, sending the teams in level at the break.

However, after the restart, a trademark Gerrard free-kick restored the Reds’ lead and they held out to claim their place in the fourth round against Bolton Wanderers.

Dons started nervously, and struggled initially to cope with the wing play of Javier Manquillo on the right and Lazar Markovic on the left.

So it was no surprise when former England skipper Gerrard stooped to nod Liverpool ahead on 12 minutes – and the omens looked unpleasant.

However, Dons fought back with chances falling to Sean Rigg and Matt Tubbs, and Rigg was then only denied by a wonderful save in the Reds goal by Simon Mignolet.

The pressure finally paid off when Akinfenwa forced home a rebound from close range sending the home support into delirious celebration.

It was no more than Dons deserved, and they continued in similar vein after the break when Adam Barrett’s header was cleared off the line by Gerrard.

However, the Reds skipper, who will be leaving Merseyside for MLS at the end of the season, restored Liverpool’s lead with a curling free-kick from 25 yards after Fuller had fouled Phillippe Coutinho.

James O’Shea had to be on his best form to deny Liverpool a third as Dons, still full of endeavour, hunted the equaliser.

They came close through sub Adebayo Azeez, but Liverpool held their hosts at arm’s length until the final whistle.

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