AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers

Wimbledon’s seven-match unbeaten run is over as manager Terry Brown declared “we deserved to lose”.

Harriers goal-getter Matthew Barnes-Homer’s delightful turn and shot two minutes after half-time did for the Dons on a day where nothing went right.

This was unquestionably Brown’s side’s worst performance of the season so far.

They created next to nothing and can have few complains after the defeat, their first since Oxford United’s 1-0 success at Kingsmeadow on August 29.

The manager said: “I thought Kidderminster were better than us on the day, they played better football than us and I felt we looked rather leggy.

“The best team won, there’s little doubt about that. They are a big strong side but also got it down and played some football.

“No excuses. We have had a flu bug but we had eleven fit players out there. I don’t think we played to our normal level today.

“I could look at all sorts of things. You never get a good game with the wind like it was but my players are better than that.

“We went into the game full of confidence on the back of a very good run. I’m just frustrated that we relinquished that so tamely.

“The sponsors gave Innsy MOM (man of the match) but I would have struggled to pick out any of them for it today. We didn’t get many decision but make no mistake, we didn’t lose because of the referee. We lost because we weren’t very good.”

Dons enjoyed some early chances shooting towards the Tempest End but were wasteful when they arrived.

Chris Hussey found Dean Coleman in inspired form and after collecting Lewis Taylor’s pass and cutting inside, the keeper clawed the left-back’s goal-bound effort from the top corner.

Sam Hatton’s free header from Hussey’s corner should have had more direction but the visitors also had good chances.

John Finnigan was denied in the 16th minute when centre-backs Alan Inns and Brett Johnson went walk-about, James Pullen coming to Wimbledon’s rescue.

Chris McPhee, seven minutes from half-time, should have punished Pullen when he didn’t grab Lee Baker’s corner.

Barnes-Homer’s venomous attempt with half-time looming was a sign of what was to come.

Two minutes after the re-start the striker turned brilliantly with the ball at his feet and placed his shot into the bottom corner, giving Pullen no chance.

The Dons had no answer and were poor in the final third as Kiddy coasted to the points.

Harriers boss Mark Yates said: “We had the better chances and we protected our lead incredibly well.

“We deserved the victory and we’re knocking on the door of the top five again. It gives other clubs something to think about. I’m delighted.

“I thought it was a really good performance. This is not going to be an easy place to come for any team this season.”