Dazzling Dons are almost there

5:21pm Thursday 17th March 2005

AFC Wimbledon manager Dave Anderson has set his side a target of three more wins to seal promotion.

The shackles came off the normally reserved manager after watching his side's biggest win of the season on Saturday, thumping Newport IOW 5-0.

A two-goal debut from New Zealand international striker Shane Smeltz put the gloss on a classy performance that had Anderson drooling.

He said: "Never mind looking forward to next season, I am excited about our next match against Horsham.

"For 10 minutes on Saturday, we were playing football that was out of this world."

Smeltz, who has seven caps for the All Whites, opened his account with a 25-yard screamer, before sealing victory with the Dons' fifth. Anthony Howard and Richard Butler (two) were also on target.

A gamble by manager Anderson paid off with devastating effect after he handed debuts to three players in Saturday's match.

Smeltz the first capped player to pull on an AFC Dons shirt made the most obvious impact, scoring a brace and fluffing a penalty that would have bagged him a hat-trick.

Almost lost in the hullabaloo were debuts for QPR youngster Sonny Farr at left wing and Lewes' Joe Vines at centre half, who was drafted in at the last minute to help solve a defensive injury crisis.

Factor in a second start for Lewis Hamilton at right-back and the return of Jake Cole in goal and Anderson basically fielded the bones of a new team.

He said: "The changes were partly brought on by necessity and partly by frustration. We wanted to bring more flair into the side after a few boring performances.

"As for Shane, we had to keep that quiet until the last minute. I found out about him from an agent friend who guaranteed he would fit right in and he wasn't wrong.

"Shane seemed to form an understanding with Richard Butler straightaway."

Recent signing Andrew Martin made way for Smeltz, leaving AFC Wimbledon for Redbridge after making just seven appearances.

The crowd certainly took to the four-pronged attack, with Rob Ursell moving to the right side of midfield. Smeltz and Butler bagged two goals apiece as Ursell and Farr provided the ammunition.

If Anderson can convince Smeltz and Farr to stay, Dons fans could be treated to another push for promotion in next season's Ryman Premier Division.

The manager said: "We will wait to see what happens with Shane.

"His girlfriend just got a job with Qantas Airlines at Heathrow so I know he wants to stay in this area.

"He was on the books at Mansfield, but they didn't come up with what they promised him so he left.

"Sonny has been released by the QPR academy so we have taken him on for a month just to have a look at him.

"He was nervous on Saturday and that showed, but if he impresses in the next couple of games we have the option to sign him for next season."

If Smeltz does stay with AFC Wimbledon, Dons fans will quickly get the chance to watch one of their players on the international stage, with New Zealand due to play Australia in a friendly at Craven Cottage in June.