AFC Wimbledon defender Darius Charles was happy with the side's ability to contain Rochdale's lively start on Tuesday night.

The visitors were in a great position to put themselves in the League One play-off mix before the game in south-west London, but in the end the Dons came away with a 3-1 win.

Charles, who was outstanding at the back for Neal Ardley's men, admitted Dale began well but the Dons dealt well with it and got themselves back into the clash.

"The gaffer told us before the game they were a good side and they showed that in the first 20 minutes," the defender told Get West London.

"As good as they were, I think we did well to stay in the game and make sure we had our shape correct defensively.

"Even if one player got beat, there was always another player around helping, so you look at it and they didn't have many chances.

"OK, I know they had the one which came off the crossbar, but apart from that there weren't any at goal.

"There were some balls flashed across our goal but I thought we did well to stay in the game at that point, and as it went on we asserted our dominance."

Darius Charles was in good form for AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday against Rochdale

Indeed, the Dons raced into a 3-0 lead at the start of the second period, following Keith Keane's sending off on the stroke of half-time for the away side.

And even with ten men and seemingly out of it, Dale didn't give up so easily.

"We had a great chance to go at them in the second half, but at the same be cautious because they will come at us," said Charles.

"Credit to Rochdale, they didn't stop. Even when we got the three goals, they still came at us and got a goal.

"They kept going and going, huffed and puffed, and didn't seem to tire, which shows the quality they have, and they are where they are in the league for a reason.

"Getting three goals so quickly was good, though. The boys have done it already away at Curzon Ashton (in the FA Cup), then against Bury at home, but I wasn't playing either of those games, so it was nice to be a part of this game."