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Football: Saints are Jones' solace

Wimbledon 1 Southampton 1

Steve Tongue
Monday 01 November 1999 00:02 GMT
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SOUTHAMPTON'S manager, Dave Jones, says that football is what has kept him sane since he was formally charged with ill-treatment of children while working for the social services on Merseyside more than 10 years ago. But the sport can also drive a man to distraction, and did so again on Saturday, when for the fifth time this season his team surrendered points in the closing minutes.

Jones appears in court tomorrow on nine charges that he strenuously denies. "I've had nothing but support since it all blew up," he said. "Southampton fans have been magnificent and that's what's kept me going. If I'd not got the response I had, I'd have walked away [from the job]. There was talk of me taking `gardening leave' - but I'm a crap gardener. It'll all get sorted in the end. My wife's been brilliant. She wants to fight anyone who's had a go at me. I was born a fighter and I'll always remain one."

There is a another fighting Jones in the camp too - the Welsh goalkeeper, Paul. His refusal to be beaten kept his team level, as Wimbledon dominated but saw chance after chance go begging. Understandably miffed not to be ahead, the Dons then saw a close offside decision go against them midway through the second half when Marian Pahars was allowed to turn in Stuart Ripley's cross.

Although not renowned for their defending, especially away from home, the visitors looked comfortable from then on, even after Carl Leaburn was thrown on as a fourth attacker. The final minute had begun when Wimbledon received the reward their overall efforts deserved, a rejuvenated Hartson striking the underside of the bar with a fierce drive and Gayle following up to equalise.

Egil Olsen is getting Wimbledon closer to the nakedly direct style that he wants, though he insists there is a distinction between mere long balls and the desired penetration. "The first half was one of the best things we've done this season," he said.

Goals: Pahars (65) 0-1; Gayle (90) 1-1.

Wimbledon (4-3-3): Sullivan; Cunningham, Hreidarsson, Thatcher, Kimble; Earle (Badir, 65), Andresen (Leaburn, 76), Euell; Cort, Hartson, Gayle. Substitutes not used: Roberts, Heald (gk), Willmott.

Southampton (4-5-1): Jones; Dodd, Lundekvam, Richards, Benali; Ripley, Soltvedt, Hughes, Oakley, Kachloul; Pahars (Beattie, 68). Substitutes not used: Le Tissier, Moss (gk), Colleter, Boa Morte.

Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley).

Bookings: Wimbledon Cort, Hreidarsson.

Man of the match: Jones.

Attendance: 15,754.

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