AFC Wimbledon are propping up the League Two table tonight after slipping to defeat at play-off chasing Cheltenham Town.

The Dons conceded early goals in each half before substitute Brennan Dickenson's reply came too late to stop Wimbledon slipping back to the bottom of the standings.

Neal Ardley made one change to the side that earned a point against Plymouth on Tuesday as Jesse Darko started in place of Dickenson who dropped to the bench after suffering chest pains against the Pilgrims in midweek.

Wimbledon made a disastrous start at Whaddon Road and conceded inside the opening 10 minutes in Gloucestershire as Steve Elliott headed home Billy Jones' well-taken free-kick from six-yards out.

Luke Moore and Chris Hussey (pictured) both went close for the Dons, only to be met with stubborn resistance from Robins keeper Scott  Brown, in a quiet first period for Ardley's boys against a team still hoping for promotion this year.

It got worse for the visitors after the restart as Cheltenham doubled their advantage through former Birmingham City star Darren Carter, the midfielder finishing smartly after being put through by Russell Penn.

Ardley needed to act if Wimbledon were to salvage anything from the match and the young manager made a double substitution on the hour as Kevin Sainte-Luce and on loan-Brighton man Dickenson entered the fray.

It was an inspired change as Dickenson netted within seconds of his introduction. Hussey provided the assist and the loanee gave Brown no chance with a powerful finish from the edge of the penalty area.

The last 20 minutes saw two former Dons strikers take to the field to face their former team-mates as play-off final hero Kaid Mohammed and Byron Harrison were handed run-outs as Town looked to restore their two-goal cushion.

Neither could find the net for Chltenham, however the Robins held onto the slender lead to claim all three points and plunge the Dons deeper into trouble.

Next up for Wimbledon is the visit of Gary Mills' York City a week from today as they continue their fight for League Two survival.

AFC Wimbledon: Sullivan, Balkestein, Mitchel-King, Bennett, Hussey, S Moore, L Moore (Sainte-Luce), Pell, Darko (Dickenson), Alexander, Midson (Strutton).

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

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