DONS HIT JACKPOT
AFC Wimbledon chosen for FA Cup television coverage again
MANAGERLESS AFC Wimbledon are set to cash in again in the FA Cup after being selected for live coverage for the second round in a row.
The Dons beat Bostik Premier Haringey Borough 1-0 in the first round in front of the BBC cameras just over a week ago. They picked up £75,000 as a live broadcast fee and trousered £36,000 in prize money.
Despite the win, it proved to be the last match in charge for boss Neal ArNewport dley, who left the club by mutual consent on Monday after six years in charge.
First-team coach Simon Bassey has been appointed interim manager and he’s brought in former Republic of Ireland international Steven Reid to assist him.
Whether they will still be in charge for the FA Cup second round tie at either Morecambe or FC Halifax on Saturday, December 1 (12.30pm live on BT Sport 1) remains to be seen.
The League Two Shrimps and National League outfit Halifax played out a goalless draw in their first meeting and replay on Tuesday night.
The replay winners and the Dons will pocket £75,000 for live coverage of their second round tie, with prize money of £54,000 also up for grabs.
Three other second round ties have been chosen for live coverage. Blackpool visit Tim Flowers’ Solihull Moors in front of the BBC Two cameras on Friday, November 30 (7.55pm). There’s an all-Welsh clash between National League pacesetters Wrexham and County on December 1 (BT Sport 1, 8pm) and Joey Barton takes his Fleetwood side to National League North Guiseley on Monday, December 3 (BT Sport 1, 8pm).
League One front-runners Portsmouth have been drawn away to Rochdale, while Sunderland travel to Walsall.
Two of this midweek’s replays are live on BT Sport 1. Oxford City host Tranmere on Tuesday and Salford face Shrewsbury the following night. The broadcast fee for the replays is £33,750 per club.