My clipping from yesterday's paper
Tom Parkes is relishing the captain's role as Rovers attempt to claw their way up the table.
Central defender Parkes nodded in Rovers second after David Clarkson had opened the scoring with a twenty yard strike. He then revealed:
"I had the armband at the end of last season and loved it so much I asked the boss if I could keep it. I'm really proud to lead the boys out.
"At the start of the season I was struggling a bit and not performing. I was trying too hard to get the boys going and not concentrating on my own game. I'm now trying to lead by example instead and I've set a personal target of six goals so it was good to get off the mark.
"I think the added responsibility has also helped me mature off the field as well. I'm only 21 and knowing you have that added pressure on you helps you grow up fast."
David Clarkson set Rovers on the way as they romped to a much needed win.
Rovers are still just one place above the drop zone, but a first win in four league games left boss John Ward delighted. He said:
"I'm pleased for my players. These guys have put their hearts on their sleeves and this result was reward for all of the hard work they've been putting in. We've been edging towards this for quite a while now."
Midfielder Clarkson grabbed his third of the season in the nineteenth minute.
A poor clearance flew out to him on the edge of the box and he nodded the ball down before drifting across central defender Andy Frampton and firing in a low shot past keeper Ross Worner.
Parkes then opened his account for the season in the 31st minute when he out jumped Don's static defence to nod in full back Lee Brown's corner for a couple of yards out.
Striker Matt Harrold sealed the win from the spot in the 89th minute with his fourth of the season after substitute Ellis Harrison was bundled over in the box by Frampton.
Wimbledon had pushed forward in the second half, but midfielder Sammy Moore was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the 81st minute.
Worner kept the score down before the break when he blocked a point blank shot from Eliot Richards after Mitch Harding had left the Wimbledon defenders flat-footed to pick out his fellow midfielder.
Ward is delighted with his skipper's contribution and said:
"We work at our set plays and we have been saying to Tom to get in those positions, and he has put it in the back of the net and enjoyed his moment.
"As a captain he is a good leader, and it is nice boost for him to get a goal."
Dons boss Neal Ardley was seething after seeing his team brushed aside and midfielder Sammy Moore sent off. He fumed:
"I've let the players know how angry I am. We got bullied from start to finish, from top to bottom. We were dreadful. Sammy deserved to be sent off, it was petulant, but other players could also have been sent off. He went flying into a tackle when he had already been booked. It was petulant."
"Ultimately, I have to take the rap. We let our standards slip and I must apologise to the fans that made the trip."
... and today's edition
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