Ardley goes on defensive

Neal Ardley admits AFC Wimbledon had to tone down their attacking intent in order to return to form with a 2-1 win over Accrington.

Ardley, who turned down the Gillingham manager's job last week, had yet to see the Dons win in 2015 - although that run included a valiant defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup. However Sean Rigg and substitute Adebayo Azeez got on the scoresheet for the Dons either side of half-time, ensuring Adam Buxton's late goal proved only a consolation. Dons boss Ardley said: "I thought it was hard fought but also reasonably comfortable, I didn't feel like we were ever going to lose it. "We played very well last week against Carlisle despite the result, but we were too gung ho and that's why we lost the game. "This week we worked on balance and shape to make sure we weren't so open when we went forward so I knew it wouldn't be free flowing. "We knew they'd come and do a job on us, but in the end we did everything we needed to win the game. It was all about the team. "The midfield showed exceptional energy to protect a young back four and the defence were powerful, dynamic and athletic and I thought young Will Nightingale had one of the best debuts I've seen. "Bayo (Akinfenwa) has been carrying a knee injury this week and young Craig Tanner has only had two days training and they were great for 70 minutes." Accrington did have their chances to equalise earlier on in the game, as Anthony Barry went close with a long-range effort that was tipped wide by James Shea. And though they have now won just once in their last five league games, captain Luke Joyce insists no panic buttons are being pressed. He said: "That second goal and the manner in which we conceded was disappointing and before that, Anthony Barry had a great effort from the edge of the box which was stopped by a great save. "We scored in the last minute and you think if we had defended the second goal better then we would have taken a point away - so it's disappointing. "Their second goal was a breakaway, they tried to clear it and the lad has gone through and stuck it away. So unfortunately it is a really frustrated dressing room. "It's two defeats on the bounce but it's not a major crisis. The only bonus is we've got is a local derby against Bury on Tuesday and it would be a great game for us to get a reaction. "You only have to look at what happened last season and how we bounced back and I am sure we can do it again."