Stand-in Dons boss Stuart Murdoch praised the effort of his players on Saturday despite watching his side go down 2-1 at home to Bradford.

A first-half goal from Eoin Jess and a 69th minute effort from Mark Bower were enough to effectively end Wimbledon's play-off hopes despite a 90th minute consolation penalty goal from David Connolly.

Murdich said: "I think if you have to look at the fact we have had four games in eight days and we have picked up injuries on the way and that has disrupted us."

"We lost Lionel Morgan on Thursday against Crewe and Jobi McAnuff today very early on and they unbalanced us a little. They are both young and have pace and youthful exuberance and we missed them.

"But in the second half the players gave everything and I couldn't really ask for much more.

"The mood is very down because we planned on winning the game but the boys are refusing to give up on the play-offs and are looking forward to getting up to Wolverhampton next Sunday for what should be a great game."

April 8, 2002 10:30