AFC Wimbledon

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Rene Howe

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Rushden 1-0 AFC Wimbledon

Rushden & Diamonds picked up their first win of the season thanks to a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

The Dons went into the match unbeaten but failed to come to grips with a dogged display from the home side, who have Rene Howe to thank for the three points.

Rashid Yussuff and Luke Moore should have put the visitors ahead in the early exchanges, but their efforts could not beat the crossbar or goalkeeper Dale Roberts.

Home debutante Dominic Green had a chance to open the scoring on 36 minutes, but his effort, after cutting in from the wing in fine fashion, was not strong enough to worry Seb Brown in The Dons' goal.

Ryan Charles then had a great chance for the home side minutes before the break, but his attempt at a chip was dealt with by the alert Brown.

Sammy Moore should have found the back of the net in the second period for AFC Wimbledon, but Roberts pulled off a fantastic save to deny him.

Howe finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a fine strike from range, sending the home supporters into fits of joy.

The Diamonds pushed for a second in the last 20 minutes of the match but were unable to double their lead as they marched towards a deserved maximum points haul.

Rushden bookings: Corcoran

AFC Wimbledon bookings: Yakubu, Blackman, Jackson

Referee: S Martin

Attendance: 1,365