Rampant Dons send Rovers packing and leave Ardley with a smile on his face (From Croydon Guardian)

Ardley relief at first win for his ever-improving Dons

9:27am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Sport By Tim Ashton

Neal Ardley admitted he was pleased to get his first win as AFC Wimbledon manager after a dominant 3-1 League Two win over Bristol Rovers last night (Tuesday).

In front of a vociferous crowd at Kingsmeadow, Dons stormed into a 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes.

A Garry Kenneth own goal kicked off the onslaught, followed by Rashid Yussuff's clean finish off George Francomb's flick on, and it ended with Yussuff scoring direct from a free-kick.

Rovers' late consolation from Tom Eaves was spectacular but against the run of play, and the travelling fans soon stopped cheering when Tom Parkes was sent off for a second yellow - the Rovers man could face further sanctions after pointing his finger in the referee's face during his protests.

But the night belonged to Ardley's men. He said: "It's good to get that first win otherwise these things can run and run.

"And it also proves to the lads that the changes we're making do actually work - they don't go away thinking we're talking rubbish."

Dons face a tougher test this weekend when League Two leaders Gillingham pay a visit.