Republic of Ireland striker David Connolly was on the mark for Wimbledon again, however, his late 88th minute goal wasn't enough to avoid the end of his side's seven match unbeaten run as Derby ran out 3-2 winners in tonight's Nationwide League Division One encounter at Pride Park.
Neil Shipperley's 10th league goal of the season gave the Dons an early lead but Derby equalised through Malcolm Christie to go in level at the break. Deon Burton put the Rams ahead early in the second half and substitute Lee Morris wrapped up the win before Connolly headed in what ultimately proved to be a consolation for the visitors.
Connolly, recently embroiled in controversy following his no-show for a makeshift Ireland squad for the recent friendly against Greece in Athens, could easily have had a hat-trick on the night. However, he was denied in the first half by the post and by solid Derby defending, and in the second half by an excellent Lee Grant parry. The Irish striker deservedly got some reward when he headed home two minutes from normal time for his 10th goal in six games.
The three points push Derby up to 13th position, level on points with Coventry, Crystal Palace and Rotherham, while Wimbledon remain 15th in the table.
Filed by James Boylan.
