AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Gateshead

Terry Brown’s team closed in on the play-off pack after recording their fourth straight victory.

After a season of blasting his midfielders for not chipping in with their share of goals, it was two of the manager’s middle men that snatched the points.

First, Steven Gregory’s wonder-goal opened the scoring in stunning fashion after a timid first period.

Then in-form Ricky Wellard, with a perfectly-struck free-kick on the hour, made sure there was no way back for Ian Bogie’s men.

In was a solid if unspectacular performance by the Dons with both sides enjoying plenty of chances.

But boss Brown wasn’t complaining. This, a fourth straight clean sheet, is one of the club’s best runs since the manager took over at Kingsmeadow.

They go for five victories in a row against Ryman League opposition in Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy next weekend.

And Brown said: “I’m really quite excited after that. We have asked our midfielders and defenders to help out in the goals department and two of them have got on the scoresheet. It’s good news.

“We’re back looking up at the teams in the top five and not down like we were after our last Saturday home game here against York City a fortnight ago.

“It was a good win against a very good footballing side. They did create a couple of really good chances but again our defence and keeper are keeping clean sheets. It’s positive.

“The performance was patchy at times and maybe we had the rub of the green but sometimes you deserve what you get. Our football recently has been pleasing and we are working hard.

“I was concerned that we might become stranded by Christmas but we are now very much on the coat tails of those chasing promotion. You can’t not be delighted by that!”

Brown’s opposite number Bogie, the former Newcastle player, praised the hosts – and tipped them to be involved in the shake up.

“I don’t think we started well enough,” he said. “We’ve been beaten by a good strike and a set piece, and the second one from Wellard really killed us off.

“It’s my first look at Wimbledon and they are a very good side. They deserved the win and they should be up there when it matters.”