Football: Moore pounces

Wimbledon. .1

Southampton. 2

SOUTHAMPTON'S first away win of the year secured their position in the middle of the table at the expense of their fellow strugglers Wimbledon. The Saints however are not the most attractive of centre-pieces and their victory owed as much to good fortune as to good play.

Their good fortune arrived in the 25th minute when Andy Clarke's brilliantly volleyed 'goal' was disallowed for offside. That strike would have put Wimbledon two up, following Dean Holdsworth's neatly lobbed opener.

Luck stayed with the visitors for their equaliser. Wimbledon's defence got Tom Widdrington's cross out only as far as Matthew Le Tissier on the edge of their area; his low shot lacked power but gained a deflection to redirect it past poor Hans Segers.

Southampton's 'good play' was concentrated in defence where Tim Flowers made two first-rate second-half saves to deny Neil Ardley and Robbie Earle. As Southampton's manager, Ian Branfoot, remarked, last week's encounter with Sheffield United had been 'good preparation' for Wimbledon's aerial bombardment. Kenneth Monkou, though absent against the Blades, had the strength and timing to gain the upper hand in his good-natured battle with John Fashanu.

Fortune's generosity and Southampton's meanness gave the Saints their chance to plunder the points when Kevin Moore got his head to Le Tissier's teasing cross.

Wimbledon: H Segers; R Joseph, G Elkins, V Jones, J Scales, B McAllister, N Ardley, R Earle, J Fashanu, D Holdsworth, A Clarke. Subs not used: G Berry, L Sanchez, N Sullivan (gk). Manager: J Kinnear.

Southampton: T Flowers; J Kenna, M Adams, T Widdrington, K Moore, K Monkou, M Le Tissier (N Banger, 78 min), G Cockerill, I Dowie, N Maddison, J Dodd. Subs not used: M Bound, I Andrews (gk). Manager: I Branfoot.

Referee: A Gunn (South Chailey).

Goals: Holdsworth (1-0, 22 min); Le Tissier (1-1, 34 min); Moore (1-2, 71 min).