Football: Watson grounds the Dons

Wimbledon 0

Sheffield Wednesday 1

Watson 76

Attendance: 7,453

THERE were no ticket touts outside for this one. Two teams without a win between them, and a sunny Bank Holiday Saturday, combined to create a spectacle to fit the paltry crowd. Wimbledon will take heart from the fact that they should have won but Wednesday's first points of the season, from a goal 15 minutes from time by substitute Gordon Watson, were the greater consolation.

In this season of the larger- than-ever trapdoor, a good start is essential, but Wednesday have not enjoyed one in either of the past two seasons. They set out to contain here, their play with Andy Pearce dominant at the back simply geared to protecting their area from Wimbledon's assaults from the air. The pre-match theme tune from 633 Squadron is less a joke than a declaration of intent.

Wimbledon's style may be closer to Australian rules than to those of the Football Association, and their best moments had either the long ball, the long throw or the headed pass as their source. In the first half, Gary Blissett, back to goal in the centre circle, produced an overhead up-and-under which set up a chance for Neil Ardley, whose rising drive was tipped over at full stretch by Kevin Pressman.

From the corner, Pressman was the hero again as Mick Harford hit an awkward shot into the ground for Pressman to push away. Moments later, Vinny Jones's instant pass to Marcus Gayle sent the winger in for a curling shot which Pressman again smothered for a notable hat-trick of saves.

Wednesday could produce only a few moments of coherence, mostly inspired by the touches of John Sheridan and Dan Petrescu, as the game assumed the status of an ideological battle between Wimbledon's instant football and Wednesday's more considered style.

Wimbledon should have scored twice early in the second half - Blissett missing Gayle's flick from Jones's long throw, and then Jones himself seeing his bicycle kick cleared off the line by Petrescu. Wednesday's attacks were brief, but Sheridan should have done better with a header from David Hirst's cross. However, he nearly made amends with a superb free kick which Hans Segers clawed away.

Wednesday's fortunate winner came as both teams looked to have agreed to a diplomatic draw. Watson had been on for just three minutes when he latched on to Sheridan's cross at the near post. His first effort was blocked by a wall of defenders but he collared the rebound to hit a shot high into the net. Wednesday retreated.

Wimbledon hurled players into the Sheffield box for a prolonged bout of head tennis but, unable to alter the pattern of their game, they were ultimately frustrated by a team with a plan to defeat it.

It is tempting to see Wimbledon as the classic Thatcherite team, self-made and individualistic. The early signs this season suggest that their day may at last have gone.