It was a case of starkly contrasting emotions for Neal Ardley after AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 defeat at home to Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

The Dons had started the match knowing a win would guarantee them a place in the League Two play-offs with two games to spare.

However, a first half strike from former Don Michael Smith postponed those celebrations and while Ardley praised his players and hailed the Portsmouth performance, he was less pleased with the referee.

He said: “Portsmouth were one of the best teams that have come here in a long time, they were outstanding.

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“Our boys gave everything, but because Pompey were playing at a higher level, because of their energy and how hard they worked, it was hard for us.

“We were feeding on scraps and hoping for little moments to pop our way for us to get back in the game.

“They did to us what we have done to a lot of teams, they put in a shift.

“We changed it tactically in the second half, we knew we had to and we had a real go and we had moments.

“Lyle Taylor’s got in and he’s a fraction away from rounding the goalie and it going in, and there were a couple of scraps in the box, but they defending really well.

“But unfortunately the man in the middle has cost us a goal and we could not get it back.”

He added: “In the run up to their goal, [Sean] Rigg has been taken out on the half way line and the ref is standing there and waves play on.

“He gave away loads of silly free-kicks earlier in the game when they didn’t need to be.

“Then he’s decided on a crucial one where Rigg knocks the ball away, the Pompey guy is nowhere near the ball and takes Rigg out above the knee.

“Rigg’s been knocked sideways and the ref’s waved play on, and with two passes the ball is in the back of the net.”

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“It’s still in our hands, but the boys owe us nothing, they have given everything and they will continue to give everything for the next two games,” Ardley said.

“We’re over achieving, and in Portsmouth we came up a very good team in really good form and just came up short.

“The disappointing thing for me was their goal and the man who played a massive part in it.”