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Southport 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon maintained their record of not losing on the opening day as Christian Jolley scored the only goal against Southport in the Blue Square Bet Premier on Saturday.

Jolley came on in the 62nd minute and found the back of the net just ten minutes later as he well controlled a long ball forward before beating his marker and Tony McMillan in the Southport goal.

The hosts tested their visitors with a number of long plays forward as target man Matty McNeil attempted to throw his considerable bulk around while Terry Brown's side played some neat passing football.

Sammy Moore had the Don's best early chance after some good interplay involving Danny Kedwell and Sam Hatton on the right wing but he smashed his shot over the bar from ten yards.

Wimbledon were then awarded a penalty towards the end of the first half as Samuel Hatton appeared to have fouled Matty McGinn, although the challenge looked to have come outside the box.

McMillan did well to deny Jon Main from the spot though as Southport saw their claims for a handball Brett Johnson on the line waved away.

Brown made some tactical switches in the second period with Main and Luke Moore replaced with Ryan Jackson and Christian Jolley, who marked his introduction with a well-taken goal.

Southport then had a second penalty appeal turned down by referee Seb Stockbridge as Ismail Yakubu tugged on Alan Colins in the box before he sent off substitute Lee Minshull for an innocuous challenge.

But there was no further threat from Liam Watson's side as Wimbledon celebrated an opening day three points.

Southport bookings: None.

AFC Wimbledon bookings: Gregory, Yakubu, Blackman.

Sent Off: Minshull 87.

Att: 1802.

Ref: Seb Stockbridge.