Wimbledon v Southampton 23/09/96 8.00Wimbledon (2) 3 Southampton (0) 1 FT Gayle 12 Oakley 77 Ekoku 38,73 Southampton discovered that there's just no stopping Wimbledon at the moment, as the Dons marched to their fifth win in succession tonight. They overwhelmed a pitiful Southampton side at Selhurst Park to confirm their rise to sixth place in the Premiership, an incredible transformation from August when they lay bottom and pointless after three games. Only Matthew Oakley's late reposte for Graham Souness' sorry outfit prevented the Saints from occupying bottom spot. Yet that is surely their fate the longer they turn in toothless performances like this with little bite or defensive solidity. Although Oakley managed to achieve some consolation with his 77th minute header, Southampton's night was best summed up five minutes earlier. That was when a casual and totally misdirected back pass from Matthew Le Tissier enabled Efan Ekoku to score his second of the night. With Dean Holdsworth back in favour again after his transfer request and well-publicised fall-out with manager Joe Kinnear, Wimbledon were hungry for goals from the start. After 12 minutes Saints' winger Robbie Slater, trying to defend a deep hanging cross, only succeeded in making life awkward for his goalkeeper Dave Beasant by looping a header goalwards. Beasant may have been impeded by Ekoku as he went to effect a clean catch, but Marcus Gayle showed little sympathy for the former Wimbledon 'keeper and lashed the loose ball home. After consulting with his assistant, referee Paul Durkin signalled he was happy to allow the goal to stand. Southampton failed to exploit a number of chances that came their way and six minutes before half time they found themselves two down. Again Beasant was at fault against the side which he served with distinction for nine years, allowing Ekoku's shot to squirm under his body after Holdsworth had set the former Norwich striker up. Souness's displeasure at his forwards' impotency was demonstrated as he substituted both Gordon Watson and Neil Shipperley in the second half. It also explained why he is hoping to resurrect the on-off £1.5 million transfer of the Portuguese international Paolo Alves after the game. Life didn't improve for Beasant who was lucky to keep the score down to two before Ekoku, taking full advantage of Le Tissier's generosity, slammed a shot against the bar and over the line. Oakley's fine header only stirred Wimbledon to a furious late rally in which substitute Andy Clarke almost got on the score sheet. 
Wimbledon: Sullivan, Cunningham, Kimble, Leonhardsen, Earle, Ekoku, Holdsworth (Blackwell, 82), Gayle (Clarke, 82), Perry, McAllister, Ardley. Subs not used: Heald, Harford, Fear. Booked: Ekoku, Kimble, Gayle. Southampton: Beasant, Magilton (Oakley, 61), Monkou, Le Tissier, Watson (Maddison, 53), Shipperley (Potter, 67), Charlton, Neilson, Dryden, Slater, Lundekvam. Subs not used: Moss, Watkinson. Booked: Dryden, Monkou. Attendance: 8,572. Referee: P Durkin (Portland). |
