Bayo Akinfenwa was desperate to score against Oxford United and dedicate a goal to Sammy Moore’s mother.
Moore was not involved in Saturday’s goalless stalemate with the U’s following the sad news of the passing of his mum on Friday.
AFC Wimbledon extended their unbeaten home run to eight matches in his absence but couldn’t find a way through against United as defences came out on top.
Akinfenwa missed a number of chances to give the Dons all three points at Kingsmeadow and was disappointed he didn’t get chance to make the gesture to his grieving team-mate.
He said: “A lot of people didn’t know about the circumstances coming into this game with Sammy Moore’s mum passing. We knew she was sick at the Dagenham game and we were kept in the loop. We only found out on Friday that she’d passed away.
“I really wanted to score and dedicate the goal to her. I think was over anxious to be honest, especially trying to get headers, and I don’t think we created enough in the second half. It puts football into perspective.
“Sammy’s been such a big part of this squad and the whole team wanted to do it for him. The gaffer has said it and we’re all sending our prayers and condolences to his family. I think the game takes a backseat in comparison to life.
“Anybody that knows Sammy Moore knows he’s a real mummy’s boy, I’m a mummy’s boy myself, and we’re just giving our blessings out to his family. I was disappointed with myself because I was getting the first touch but I was off with my timing.”
Wimbledon supporters participated in a minute’s applause in memory of Moore’s mother during the weekend draw at Kingsmeadow as they reached their highest ever Football League points total.
The Dons travel to Plymouth on Tuesday night.
