BATTLING AFC Wimbledon slipped to a narrow defeat at play-off chasing Rotherham United this afternoon.

The Dons defended resolutely for much of the match at the New York Stadium but a late Alex Revell goal secured all three points for the home side.

Neal Ardley made two changes to the team that beat Morecambe last weekend as Jonathan Meades and Pim Balkestein (pictured) came in for Kevin Sainte-Luce and Will Antwi.

Balkestein was involved at both ends early on, first clearing his lines well to get rid of a Daniel Kearns delivery and then blasting over from distance at the other end.

Kearns was looking lively for the hosts and forced John Sullivan into action when got a shot away following David Noble's corner on the far touchline.

Ardley waited until 10 minutes into the second-half before making a double substitution, injecting some pace into the Dons line-up with the introductions of Jesse Darko and Kevin Sainte-Luce.

Rashid Yussuff and Gary Alexander made way for the duo and within moments the visitors were on the front foot as Harry Pell's strike from the edge of the area forced Scott Shearer to tip over.

Kearns caused problems down the flank all afternoon and he carved open a glorious opportunity for Johnny Mullins, however the Millers forward somehow headed over from three yards.

Luke Moore had the chance to steal the points for the away side as he bore down on goal, one-on-one with Shearer, and the United keeper made himself big to block the shot.

However, with a little over 10 minutes to go, Rotherham found the breakthrough as a corner was whipped in from the left and Revell nipped in at the far post to power a header home.

DONS: Sullivan, Balkestein, Mitchel-King, Bennett, Hussey, L Moore, Pell, Yussuff (Darko), Meades, Midson, Alexander (Sainte-Luce).

Subs (not used): Jaimez-Ruiz, Cummings,  Youga, Antwi, Long.

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