AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Tamworth

The Dons sluggish end of season form continued last night, as Tamworth became the latest team to take three points home from Kingsmeadow.

Although it’s been a positive first season in the Blue Square Premier, just one home win since early February has left a bitter taste in the mouth.

This defeat to an average Tamworth side, Wimbledon’s fifth home reverse in six fixtures, was not deserved after a second half onslaught.

But it came after another poorly defended ball into the box gifted the chance to Michael Wylde to lash beyond teenager Jack Turner after 26 minutes.

It was one-way traffic after that. Ricky Wellard, Paul Lorraine and Steven Gregory all failed to beat Danny Alcock while time stood still for youth team striker Matty Harmsworth as Richard Tate denied him a tap in.

Manager Terry Brown was absent, finalising his first signing for next season, but number two Stuart Cash paid tribute to the youngsters given their chance.

He said: “I was pleased with the second half performance. We showed commitment and a lot of effort, but whether we’re not getting the rub of the green in the final third or it’s a problem with our approach play, I don’t know.

“I thought Ryan Jackson, who we gave a start to at right-back, was excellent. He’s got a good temperament and good pace – he was by far our best player. I don’t actually think he put a foot wrong. He has a good future and a few of the younger boys showed some promise.

“I said in my programme notes tonight that our issue is inconsistency. Since Christmas, that’s been a word that could be aimed at us.

“It’s something we need to address for next season. I also think we need to be mentally stronger. The likes of Stevenage and Luton have to be our benchmark.

“Not just the way they play, but the mental strength and the physical approach to the game. When things are not going for you, you have to grind out results like they do.”

Wimbledon close the campaign at relegation-haunted Gateshead this Saturday.