THE DONS 'let down' youngster Jim Fenlon in losing 3-2 at Oxford United on Tuesday night, according to caretaker boss Simon Bassey.

Fenlon gave AFC Wimbledon a first half lead with a stunning drive from distance – his first goal for the senior team – and deserved to be on the winning side because of it.

Bassey was full of praise for the youngster after the game, but said he felt his team had failed to make the most of such an uplifting moment.

“I said to the boys at half time that I wanted them to go out second half and play for Jim Fenlon,” Bassey told the Chronicle.

“For a goal like that, he should be able sit down with his grand kids one day and tell them that as an 18-year-old boy, he scored a 35-yard rocket at Oxford to win the match.

“That's what we should have been celebrating. The boy's done great and the goal was fantastic and he deserves that. But we let him down today, not just each other.”

Bassey added: “He's come into the side and been a breath of fresh air, and to top it with that goal was fantastic. He's got a great future. He's a very very talented boy and a lovely kid to boot. I'm really pleased for him.”

The youngster told the Chronicle: “In the youth team, I always like taking a shot from distance, but they never really go in, or maybe just now and then.

“It felt so good scoring a goal like that. I've been at the club a while, but scoring for the first team is special.

“My preferred position is right back, but I feel comfortable on the left as well. I like playing on the flanks because I like to get forward to shoot and cross. I think Micah Richards at Man City plays the sort of game I like to play.”

Fenlon added: “Going in 2-1 at half-time, you expect to hold on or push on and get more goals, but today we weren't really clinical enough and the goals we let in were sloppy really.

“Our performances have been good, but little things are costing us. I think we'll get the results soon enough and push on up the table.”

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