Stephen Crabtree today turns the clock back to 2010 and a day when Danny Kedwell struck a spectacular goal to give Conference new boys Wimbledon victory at promotion favourites Luton Town.
Take a look below at the 21st part of a series looking back at key games from the last three decades by Stephen, who is the Editor of the Historical Don.
Saturday 20th February 2010: Blue Square Bet Premier
Luton Town (1) 1 Craddock 30
AFC Wimbledon (1) 2 Elder 28, Kedwell 64
It took a goal of the season contender for the Dons to record one of the club’s best ever away league victories. Two decades earlier Luton Town v Wimbledon had been a top-flight fixture but now the clubs were battling to escape tier five. Terry Brown’s part-time side left Kenilworth Road with three points against the fully professional Hatters, thanks to a solo goal from top scorer Danny Kedwell.
After Nathan Elder’s 28th minute header trickled over the line, Luton quickly equalised to set up a second half which saw the visitors having to withstand a fierce bombardment. Soon after the hour mark, Kedwell was released down the left wing by Elder and the tall striker charged down the line, before cutting in and curling the ball into the net in front of the travelling supporters. It set up a furious finale in which Paul Lorraine and Ben Judge stood firm in the heart of the defence to deny the hosts.
“They did what we aim to do away from home,” Hatters boss Richard Money commented. “They defended really well and they stuck their bodies in the way. Wimbledon are one of the strongest sides in the division and in Danny Kedwell they have a real gem.”
The Dons went full-time that summer and within nine months they were facing Luton again in a one-off showdown for a place in the Football League.
AFC Wimbledon: Pullen, Hatton, Blanchett, Gregory, Lorraine, Judge, Poole, Taylor, Kedwell, Elder (Wellard 75), Hendry (Conroy 80).