Wes Burns made it a Burns Night to remember for Town fans as the Welshman netted twice to see the Blues to a 2-0 victory at AFC Wimbledon and up to eighth in the table, five points from the play-offs. Burns shot across the keeper in the 61st minute after good work from Kayden Jackson and James Norwood, then added the second on 87 after sub Macauley Bonne had found him with a cross-field pass. In the dying moments, the Blues were reduced to 10 men when Kane Vincent-Young was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Tyreeq Bakinson was handed his full debut as Blues boss Kieran McKenna made four changes.

Bakinson came in at the centre midfield for suspended captain Samy Morsy alongside Tom Carroll with Lee Evans again absent having suffered a groin niggle in the warm-up on Saturday. George Edmundson skippered in Morsy’s absence.

Up front, Macauley Bonne dropped to the bench after 22 successive league starts with Norwood returning to the XI.

Bersant Celina and Conor Chaplin were also among the subs having started and impressed at the weekend, while Jackson returned alongside Norwood for his first start since the 3-0 loss at Northampton in April with Sone Aluko in the number 10 role.

Former Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott was on the Blues’ bench, while Tomas Holy was the sub keeper with Vaclav Hladky again not in the squad.

Paul Osew blazed an early shot well over for the home side, who started on the front foot with the Blues, wearing their white and black away kit, not able to make any headway into the Dons’ half.

However, as the game moved towards the 15-minute mark, Town began to see more of the ball and begin to press and probe the Wimbledon backline with Jackson often drifting to wide on the left and having balls played ahead of him to chase.

Burns saw a cross cut out from the right, then Vincent-Young stumbled over the ball in a dangerous position on the left of the box.

In the 22nd minute, with Town now well in control of the game, Burns and Janoi Donacien exchanged passes on the right before the Welshman crossed for Norwood, who scuff to home keeper Nik Tzanev.

Two minutes later, Jackson sent over a dangerous low ball from the left which Nesta Guinness-Walker turned behind at the far post.

Town kept up the pressure, Donacien winning a corner with a cross from the right, then Bakinson hit a shot which was deflected behind for a flag-kick on the other side.

On 36, Bakinson, playing ahead of the deeper-lying Carroll in the centre of midfield, clipped a ball forward to Norwood to chase and the striker managed to get in a cross which was put behind.

Town continued to dominate possession and a minute later, Jackson crossed from the left to Bakinson who was unable to get enough on it at the far post under pressure.

In the 39th minute dedicated Blues pressing saw Wimbledon lose possession in their own half and eventually, after good work from Donacien and Aluko, Burns’s cross-shot was palmed behind by Tzanev.

Wimbledon hit the post in the 42nd minute through Ethan Chislett after a spell of sloppy play by the Blues but referee Lee Swabey had already called play back for a foul.

Swabey blew his whistle to end the half with the scoreboard showing that the half had another 30 seconds of normal time to play let alone anything added on for stoppages, much to the surprise of the players and annoyance of the crowd.

The referee pointed to his watch indicating that the 45 minutes was up on that regardless of whether the scoreboard said otherwise.

Wimbledon had started brightly but the Blues had got themselves on top and dominating the ball by the quarter-hour mark.

However, they were never at their most fluid and were unable to create a clear-cut chance and as at Bolton recently, became sloppy in the minutes up to the break, while rarely looking under any threat at the other end.

Two minutes after the restart, Luke McCormick burst away past a number of Town players before being felled by Edmundson just outside the area with the stand-in Blues captain adamant he had won the ball.

The centre-half’s protests got him nowhere and he was shown the game’s first yellow card before McCormick curled the resultant free-kick well into the stand.

Wimbledon continued to have the better of the early stages of the second half and in the 52nd minute they hit the post.

Dons skipper Ben Heneghan smashed a deep corner goalwards, Woolfenden’s foot diverted it onto the inside of the post and the Blues just about managed to clear.

McCormick was booked for pulling back Aluko as the Town forward broke on 54 as the Blues began to regain some control after another under-par start to a half.

Three minutes later a Burns cross from the right was turned behind at the near post by Heneghan as the Blues began to prepare Celina and Chaplin for their introductions.

But before they could come on, Town took the lead. The ball was played down the left for Jackson to chase, he played it inside to Norwood who turned it on to Burns breaking into the box on the right, his most fruitful area of the pitch goals-wise this season.

The Welshman took a couple of touches before shooting across Tzanev and into the net for his seventh goal of the season.

As the 1,200 Town fans celebrated and blue smoke swept across the pitch, Wimbledon made their first change, Anthony Hartigan replacing Ethan Chislett.

Town went looking for a second, Aluko leaving two men for dead on the left of the area following a corner before twice seeing cross-shots blocked, the second looping up into the air but with no Blues player able to get in a header.

The Wombles made a second change in the 67th minute, Terry Ablade taking over from Aaron Cosgrave

After Wimbledon had seen a shot from McCormick blocked, Blues keeper Christian Walton rushed off his line to thwart Ablade, the sub having chased a ball through the middle, Town made their delayed substitution.

Chaplin and Celina took over from Aluko and Jackson, who will have been delighted to have played a part in Town’s goal on his return to the XI.

McCormick curled another effort wide on 72 with the home side by no means out of the game.

Five minutes later, Osew Cruyff-turned Celina before taking the ball on and hitting a shot which Walton saved down to his left.

After McCormick had volleyed deep into the stand behind the goal, Town swapped Norwood, who made his way off the field at a glacial pace, for Bonne, while the home side switched McCormick for Dapo Mebude.

Vincent-Young was booked for taking his time over a throw-in deep on the left in the 87th minute, before Town sealed the points.

Bonne dug the ball out of a tight area on halfway on the Blues’ left and played a cross-field pass for Burns, who took it on into the area before hitting a shot from a tight angle which went over the line off a defender, taking the former Fleetwood man’s tally for the season to eight and three in his last two games.

Deep in injury time and moments before the whistle, Town were reduced to 10 men when Vincent-Young was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Mebude.

The Blues had to defend the resultant free-kick before referee Swabey brought the game to an end.

A deserved victory for the Blues despite not being at their best and another one they were made to work for by a determined Wimbledon side, who came close to going in front just after half-time.

Clear-cut chances were again difficult to find but once again it was Burns’s running into space from right wing-back and his clinical finishing which won the game for the Blues.

Town have now won four of their last five since new manager McKenna took charge and are working up a head of steam as the season moves towards its final third with a visit to Sheffield Wednesday - a point and a place behind the Blues but with two games in hand - up next on Saturday.

AFC Wimbledon: Tzanev, Csoka, Marsh, Assal, Chislett (Hartigan 63), Rudoni, Guinness-Walker, McCormick (Mebude 84), Heneghan (c), Osew, Cosgrave (Ablade 67). Unused: Oualah, Nightingale, Alexander, Mebude, Ablade, Kalinauskas.

Town: Walton, Donacien, Woolfenden, Edmundson (c), Burns, Bakinson, Carroll, Aluko (Celina 71), Vincent-Young, Norwood (Bonne 84), Jackson (Chaplin 71). Unused: Holy, Burgess, Edwards, Pigott. Referee: Lee Swabey (Devon). Att: 8,117 (Town: 1,200).

Photo: Pagepix

RobsonWark added 22:45 - Jan 25 We really missed Morsey and Evans in midfield tonight. We would have totally dominated that midfield with those two. They are both full of running and closing people down and putting in tackles and winning the ball. Tonight we had Bakinson who reminded me of Dozy Dozzell just plondering around at his own slow pace not making any challenges and expecting his team mates to play to his tune. I really don't rate him on tonights performance.

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cat added 22:55 - Jan 25 Timmy - yeah it weren't a flawless defensive display by GE but on the ball different class. How about the two Cruijff turns he done lol
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ringwoodblue added 22:56 - Jan 25 Clean sheet and 3 points with a starting XI that I was very sceptical about before the game started. What do I know? It keeps the pressure on those teams above us and improves the winning mentality of the team which we have to credit McKenna and Pert for. Burns was outstanding and certainly knows where the goal is. If we don't lose on Sat, we will stay in the hunt for a playoff place. A win would make a real statement of intent.

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Linkboy13 added 22:57 - Jan 25 Really could do with another central midfield in. Even when Morsy has completed his ban it will probably take him a couple of games to get up to speed. Bakinson was brought in to play the midfield role just in front of the defence where we have been weak all season.
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algarvefan added 23:05 - Jan 25 I thought our MOM tonight was Donacien, his performances this season have been very good and I thought he was excellent for us tonight. He rarely gets a mention on here here, so well done Janoi and keep up the good work.
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Linkboy13 added 23:19 - Jan 25 Yes Donasien has had an excellent season and is without doubt the best all round full back at the club. He seems to have gained a yard of pace since he arrived from Accrington and not only is he a good defender his attacking play has come on no end waying in with a number of assists. But i think you have to give the man of the match award to Burns unless Donasien is your favourite player of course.

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Fat_Boy_Tim added 23:26 - Jan 25 I thought Jackson played well and it was a great run, touch and cross (pre assist) for the winning goal. You lot are like broken records, most of these anti Jackson comments were in your heads before the match kicked off.
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budgieplucker added 23:42 - Jan 25 Woolfie & Donacien had very decent games, without Wes though we wouldn't have got 3 points so he has to be MOM. I agree with another poster, KVY was very poor throughout. Edmundson a bit shaky tonight but came thru strong towards the end. Otherwise for the rest a performance to forget and we will take the result. I don't see why Sone can not play wing back, has played winger and midfield and is a good all round footballer who has the attributes to easily adapt to that role.

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Towny_in_Taipei added 03:56 - Jan 26 The performance was certainly not worth getting up at 3.30am to watch on iFollow, but the 3 points certainly were!
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therein61 added 06:52 - Jan 26 3 points in the bag while we all want to see us playing entertaining football at this stage points in the bag are more important lets do it again v sheff weds. C.O.Y.B
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suffolkblueeye added 07:12 - Jan 26 Kvy was shocking as was Jackson, new bloke doesn't look good either.
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:01 - Jan 26 must say i was thinking it was a big mistake when i saw starting line up, but we got what we needed 3 points, Will be a hard game Saturday if we can get 3 points from that it will be brilliant , and a big obstacle to the prospect of playoffs out of the way .Will need to be 100% everyone , COYB
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bluesman added 08:59 - Jan 26 If we get out of this bloody league I won't miss the refereeing!! I've seen better refs than some of them in Sunday League.
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sospier added 09:00 - Jan 26 Some mixed reviews on here but most justified.Not the best performance but we got the three points to keep us on a roll.A few of the lads had a poor game but I'm sure the gaffer will sort it out.One things for sure we certainly missed our skipper in the middle.The only thing I'm puzzled about is why JP is not given a game but then it's not up to me.We had once again great support at one end.Roll on Saturday.

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blues1 added 09:22 - Jan 26 Robsonwark. What are you on about? Bakkinson played well last night. Can only assume u not at the game or had had a few too many alcoholic beverages before the game.
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BangaloreBlues added 09:27 - Jan 26 Another great result against a difficult team to play away, despite their league position. Got to keep grinding these results out. Fantastic start for the boss, an 80% win rate is awesome, but to reach the play offs we need to keep that win rate up for the rest of the season. Sheff Wed away next, very tough game. A win would be a dream, but I'd bite your hand off for a draw.

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blues1 added 09:33 - Jan 26 Really don't get the comments that we were lucky. Other than a 10 -15 minutes pell after half time, we were totally in control of the match. Other than kvy, who was poor, Norwood, who wasn't at his best, everyone played well. Including Jackson, for those slagging him off(bromleyblue). Dont get those criticising Bakinson, he played well. Maybe the headless chicken quote some1 gave, was down to the fact that he also gets forward, as well as sitting in the holding role. As it's a long time since we've had a box to box midfielder. So maybe the fact he was up and down the pitch most of the game made it look that way.

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IpswichT62OldBoy added 10:00 - Jan 26 Exactly the kind of game we would have lost two months ago. I am sure we will make the play offs, every game against a team above us is a six pointer from now on in. I had forgotten what it is to be excited, can't wait for Saturday.
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Linkboy13 added 10:57 - Jan 26 Yes Fat Boy Tim once fans make their minds up a player is useless they ain't going to change their minds. Already people have decided that Bakinson is not their cup of tea because of his appearance small minded i call it. After all the only opinion that matters is Keiron McKenna's and he's obviously been impressed with Jackson in training. I know who's side im on.
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Billysherlockblue added 11:14 - Jan 26 Kvy shocking last night. Slow to think even. Always backwards. Look at burns takes chances. We need to sort left wing back area as it offers nothing. Although kvy was covering for jachson. Both light weight last night. We also need to be quicker and more confident on the ball. Well done blues good result Although not at our best. We're also very lightweight in the tackle pulling out quite often so come on guys give it yere all.

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dirtydingusmagee added 11:49 - Jan 26 Burns has been a major team member since his arrival.
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Ipswichbusiness added 11:50 - Jan 26 The first half was very frustrating. We played some very attractive football and had two thirds of the possession, but (corners apart) we created hardly any chances and scored no goals. It seemed that we were over-elaborate in midfield and didn't get the ball forward early enough. The strikers won't score unless they get proper penetrative service.
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dirtydingusmagee added 11:58 - Jan 26 Jackson may have played well last night, but his time with us overall has been well short of what's required. IMO he should be off loaded asap, no disrespect to him ,Lge 2 player. Cant all be Messi.
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SuffolkPunch70 added 14:33 - Jan 26 Having used iFollow for the first time last night, and in response to some of the "interesting" opinions above, for what it's worth here is mine:- Let's start by reminding everyone that this was an opposition who had only lost twice at home this season, and conceded very few goals considering where they are in the league. Defensively, Walton and his back 3 were sound - all won most of their individual battles against very different small and nippy players than they have been up against recently - Edmundson's distribution wasn't perfect, but all were solid. The midfield did ok - Bakinson has only had 2 training sessions at most with us, and had never played with any of the 3 in front of him, so in my mind has done well out there for 90 minutes. He showed flashes of quality distribution and was always available, also getting forward on occasions. What I don't think he can do is play alongside Carroll - they are too much alike, good on the ball, but lightweight in a battle. Pair him with Morsy, Evans or even El Mizouni and I think he will shine. Once he does, Carroll won't get a game because he will be a younger, fitter, more agile version, with height to boot. Burns was class again, showing why he was so badly missed when injured. However, the other side is a problem. KVY has no left foot, keeps cutting and passing backwards stopping the momentum of attacks, even when Edmundson had gone past him ! His final delivery is also lacking when he does get into good positions. Personally, the way we are playing, I would give Kyle Edmunds a chance out there - early in the season he showed he could get back and help out defensively when needed, has real pace to match Burns on the other side, and has much more forward intent than the other options. Talking of forward intent - Aluko is fast becoming undropable. He has energy and enthusiasm when closing down, much like Norwood, but also quality and time when on the ball to hold onto it and find the right pass. Unlike one comment on here I think he would be completely wasted stuck out wide now - he is so good at finding gaps in crowded areas. Norwood worked hard as usual, but did not get much help with Jackson not seeming to know where he should be and mostly hugging the left touchline. There also wasn't many crosses into the right areas for Norwood to latch onto - his spin and pass for the opening goal showed good awareness. Jackson ran a lot and showed some good movement, but was rarely seen or picked out. His quality when he did get the ball was mostly lacking though. Subs came on and did their jobs, helping to see the game out and give us a little more control, although I don't think Celina is comfortable with his new instructions - he seemed a bit headless chicken in trying to contribute to the closing down, and his tackling needs a lot of work. Overall a solid, if unspectacular, display. We take the 3 points and move on - one more game down and still 15 points to play with (if we drop 15 points between now and the end of the season we finish on 80, which is more than enough to make the playoffs - I am watching this, not the league position, as that will fluctuate too much along the way). COYB !!

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eastcoastblue added 16:27 - Jan 26 First time in a while at a match but really pleased to see the progress in general football style. Minimal hoof ball so apparent in the reign of Micmac and the Dark Lord. Playing the ball out well from defence and a keeper who can throw accurately as well. Bakinson good but got caught on the ball a few times, he did try angled balls forward which is promising (so used to sideways, sideways then back to keeper and hoof) Carroll was good and Burns excellent. Also no comments on Norwood who ran his socks off all day chasing the ball down. General fitness much better along with basic skills. Couple of great saves from Walton to keep us in it. Need to get goals earlier on but 2-0 away from home is a result in anyone's book. Hard to celebrate in the home fans stand though...... COYB!!

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