Wellard's a wonder as Dons continue on Wembley way

Recalled Ricky Wellard inspired Wimbledon to a comfortable Trophy win over their Blue Square Premier rivals.

The midfielder, dropped to the bench for Saturday’s triumph against Mansfield, scored the opener tonight and had a hand in the others.

Outstanding Wellard – now unrecognisable from his early season form – was the man of the match as the Dons beat Graham Heathcote’s Alty with a bit to spare.

They will now play host to Workington in the third round at the end of January.

The visitors have enjoyed great success on the road this season and arrived at Kingsmeadow fresh from Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Ebbsfleet.

They made the early running and Jay Conroy, returning at right-back, had to be alert to head off the line from Greg Young.

Ross Montague came close to nodding in Brett Johnson’s delivery and further chances for Sam Hatton and Danny Kedwell, both from distance, threatened Russ Saunders.

But with half-time looming, the breakthrough duly arrive.

Kennedy Adjei’s storming run into enemy territory played in Wellard. He touched off to Kedwell – uncomfortable in the hole behind the forwards – and the midfielder found the bottom corner.

Wimbledon seized control early into the second half when their superior attacking qualities shone through.

The ball was passed around the midfield before Montague looked up to see Jon Main who had already beaten Alty defender Robbie Williams for pace.

The striker was clear and he shot typically into the bottom corner of the net for 2-0.

But it wasn’t long until the visitors got back into the tie. Matt Doughty’s throw from the left wasn’t cleared and pint-sized Anthony Danylyk slammed the ball towards goal. Seb Brown’s right hand couldn’t prevent the reply.

Then there was almost an instant response from Terry Brown’s team.

Wellard tucked his pass through to Main but the quick thinking of England C full-back Shaun Densmore kept the marksman at bay.

Main was to be frustrated again but this time the goal-ace afforded a smile.

Wellard’s corner was nodded back across the box. Montague eventually found unmarked Main and his header looked over the line when Robbie Lawton seemingly punched it out.

Thankfully Ben Judge was on hand to make sure, striking the ball with venom into the roof of the net to seal progression through with a wink to his ticked-off team-mate.