If AFC Wimbledon’s new signings prove to be a painted -on success, boss Neal Ardley can take some of the credit.

Adebayo Azeez, a summer signing from Charlton Athletic, announced his arrival with the opening goal in Dons 2-1 friendly win over Sutton United on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old has found himself in the shadow of the big names coming into the Cherry Red Records stadium, although Ardley remembers the moment he was signed more than most.

He said: “I was painting the house, getting brownie points from my wife, and at the same time I signed Ade, which got me brownie points off Erik [Samuelson], and I don’t know which I enjoyed more.”

He added: “I’ve seen a lot of qualities in Ade, but we know he’s raw and he needs lots of work.”

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No goal: Adebayo Akinfenwa finds the back of the net but it is ruled out for a foul on Tom Lovelock in the Sutton United goal

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Sutton legend: Ever-green midfielder Craig Dundas

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BANG: Adebayo Azeez (out of picture) beats Tom Lovelock at his near post

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Goalscorer: Adebayo Azeez

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You, do this: Neal Ardley issues instructions from the dug out

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Fine game: Sutton United keeper Tom Lovelock spent much time keeping the Dons at bay

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Leveller: Kane Haysman enjoys 25-yard equaliser for United

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Pinball: Kevin Sainte-Luce is in the thick of it in the Sutton box

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Looking on: Peter Beadle, Jamie Lawrence and the rest of the Sutton United bench bask in the late evening sunshine at the Cherry Red Records stadium

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Heads up: United's Jessy Reindorf and Dons Harry Pell do battle in mid-air

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Flying: Chris Arthur in the new-look Dons kit

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Clash of the titans: Adebayo Akinfenwa holds off the attentions of Sutton United skipper Charlie Clough