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AFC Wimbledon suffered another pre-season defeat, this time at the hands of Conference side Aldershot Town. Despite Roscoe D'Sane rifling in a fantastic twenty-five yarder, the Dons were beaten by a convincing 4-1 margin with John Grant bagging a brace of headers in the first half, before Mark Pritchard and Kirk Hudson added one each in the second period.
Dave Anderson returned to touchline duties following his brief holiday, sticking with the 3-5-2 used in the previous six friendly matches. Andy Little returned in goal, with Byron Bubb getting his first start in midfield alongside Wes Daly and Luke Garrard. The manager also decided to take a look at two defenders trying out at the club - Lee Kersey (formerly with Windsor and Eton) and Shayne Mangodza (Chelmsford).
Aldershot came out of the blocks quickly creating the first opportunity in under 90 seconds when Ricky Newman robbed Kersey and broke into the box. Little was quick to the ball and the Shots midfielder went to ground, but the referee saw nothing wrong. Just three minutes later the home side did go in front. Louis Soares was played in down the right and crossed to for John Grant who headed home unmarked.
The Dons were level two minutes later. Barnes and Bubb worked the ball to Roscoe D'Sane, who cut in from the left and hit an unstoppable drive. Moments later Wes Daly nearly put the visitors in front but his shot from the edge of the area drifted just wide.
On 25 minutes the Shots took the lead once more - Ryan Williams setting up a carbon copy header for Grant who once again powered his header home.
Louis Soares twice went close to extending the lead but dragged his left foot strike wide on the first occasion and then headed wide after Marcus Gayle had crossed from the left. Just before half time Darren Barnard clipped his 20 yard free kick attempt just over the bar.
Both teams lost their rhythm at the start of the second half and it was not until the 52nd minute that Dean Smith teed up Grant to fire at goal - Steve Butler doing well to make the block. Grant continued to search for his hat-trick and moments later glanced Williams' corner wide of the post.
The Shots made it 3-1 on 71 minutes when substitutes Kirk Hudson and Mark Pritchard combined, with the latter heading in. From the kick off AFC Wimbledon nearly got one back. Byron Bubb got on the end of Michael Haswell's cross but couldn't beat Nikki Bull.
The home side countered quickly and when Smith worked the ball down the right to Pritchard, he turned provider hammering the ball across the six yard box for Hudson to tap in.
Grant went close again towards the end heading into the side netting before Roscoe D'Sane nearly had the last word, going close twice in the last few minutes. Substituted with just seconds to go, D'Sane received a smashing ovation from both sets of supporters for a very tidy performance.
