AFC Wimbledon’s two-match unbeaten run in League Two came to a shuddering halt at Newport County on Saturday, but boss Neal Ardley was in philosophical mood.

The Dons went down 4-1 in Wales, with only Adebayo Akinfenwa’s second half header, his fourth goal in three games, to show for their endeavours.

Ardley said: “It wasn't a 4-1. I know that was the final result but that was a result of chasing a game.

“In the first half, there was not much between the teams. We were a bit tentative and we needed to up the tempo a bit, but that was about it.

“I was sure that we would finish stronger than them and I was sure that we had goals in there. The second goal is the moment that kills us.”

He added: “After that, you have to go flat out to chase the game. From that moment, you have 43 minutes to get two goals. I felt we could do it, but when you're chasing the game you're also leaving it open.”

Dons go to Cheltenham this weekend, ahead of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy trip to the franchise next week.