DOWNES ADMITS WORK TO BE DONE AFTER FirsT WIN AT DONS

into my role. It’s a resultsdriven business so getting the first win under me is good for the boys. The result was all important, it’s great to get an away win but I thought the performance warranted that.”

A sluggish opening was punctuated by Appiah’s third goal of the season after Anthony Hartigan’s corner was flicked on at the near post, with Appiah making no mistake from six yards to get the visitors up and running, but Wycombe put the pressure on as the second half continued.

And it wasn’t until the 90th minute when the game was wrapped up, Jervis firing in his first goal in 364 days to thwart Wycombe’s chances of seven straight home wins.

Onyedinma beat the offside trap to bag a consolation for the hosts – but manager Gareth Ainsworth couldn’t be too disheartened at the strong run ending.

“Right up to the last minute I was thinking we’re going to get something,” he said. “We did, ultimately, but we let two in at the other end and if you do that you’ve got a mountain to climb. But I’m proud of the run we’ve been on. “They were very direct and physical and the pressure told. It was a set play, typical Wimbledon of old, but they deserved it. They did well, probed and pressed us in the first half.

“I think we’re lacking that physical presence, but anyone can beat anyone in this league. People have been coming up to me saying: ‘Oh great season so far,’ and I’m saying ‘No, not a chance’.”

WALLY Downes says his AFC Wimbledon side still have plenty of work to do, despite picking up his first win as manager with victory at Wycombe.

Kwesi Appiah and Jake Jervis struck for the visitors, but Fred Onyedinma’s late goal for Wanderers left the Dons sweating, eventually holding on for a first away win since September. It wasn’t enough to move off bottom spot in League One, though, but Downes knows three points are all that matter in the busy festive period. “Everybody knew their roles and responsibilities and put their effort in and played like a team,” he said.

“I couldn’t ask for more from them. If it had been 2-0 I’d have come off and said it was a great performance but, unfortunately, we let the one goal in. But we’re only three games