Neal Ardley was left in a bittersweet mood after AFC Wimbledon’s 3-2 defeat at home to Sheffield United on Saturday.

Goals from Dom Poleon and a first of the season for Tom Elliott were not enough as the Dons dropped back into the League One dropzone.

After seven games, the Dons have picked up just one win and share the second worst defensive record.

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Ardley told Dons Player: “It was poor from us and disappointing. We huffed and puffed. We scored two good goals from things we had worked on in training, which is pleasing because you work hard on going forward and attacking.

“However, we conceded three goals that are so far away from what we do on the training field and that’s disappointing. You cannot concede three goals like that at home.”

He added: “I have to give some credit to Sheffield United because they were clinical and they looked like they could score when they went forward.

“Their two forwards were a shining example of what you need from two strikers away from home, but we have to be better.

“We have a real challenge on our hands at the moment in this league. The league is tougher and we have to rise to that challenge.”

This weekend, Ardley takes his charges to east London to face Charlton Athletic.