Football: AFC Wimbledon defender dedicates goal to late Dad

The defender gave the Dons the advantage when his 30-yard free kick eluded everyone in the box and bounced into the far corner.

Lyle Taylor added the second to give the Dons a third consecutive League Two win and lift them to 10th in the table.

Having returned from compassionate leave last weekend, Kennedy made his first appearance in the win at York City, before scoring on his first start on Saturday.

His father passed away six weeks after falling ill in a turbulent few weeks for the 25-year-old.

He said: “It was a real quick turn of events with my father. I had some time off in order to send some valuable time with him, and we had his funeral two weeks ago.

“My father had a big impact on my career. He would always come to the matches and gave some really good advice, so that goal is dedicated to him, I know he would have loved that today.”

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Kennedy was also full of praise for manager Neal Ardley, who gave him as much time as he needed to recover.

Prior to last weekend’s defeat, Kennedy had not featured since the draw at Carlisle in August.

“The gaffer has been brilliant, and had real respect for my family and gave me time to get my head right. It was such a shock and came out of nowhere,” Kennedy added.

“I’m back and I know dad wouldn’t want me to do anything else other than play football, my head is firmly back in the game and I can’t wait to crack on.”

Callum Kennedy is expected to feature again this weekend when the Dons host Forest Green Rovers in the first round proper of the FA Cup.