AFC Wimbledon v Southend preview

AFC Wimbledon v Southend preview

Published Nov. 20, 2012 6:15 a.m. ET

Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding has got another 90 minutes under his belt as he steps up his recovery from a groin injury.

Fielding, who made his comeback last week from the injury he sustained at the start of October by playing the full game as the Rams' Under-21 side lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest, was in action again for the Development Squad against Barnsley on Monday afternoon.

And the 24-year-old kept a clean sheet as goals from Nathan Tyson and Theo Robinson gave Derby a 2-0 win at their Moor Farm training complex.

Fielding saved efforts from Sam Patterson and John Rooney in quick succession before denying the latter again towards the end of the first half to preserve the Rams' lead.

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The former Blackburn stopper then managed to divert a powerful shot from Danny Rose on to the crossbar in the second half.

AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley could be without a trio of defenders.

Jim Fenlon, Warren Cummings and Norwich loanee George Francomb were all deemed not fit enough to be included in the squad for Saturday's draw against Aldershot and they will have to be assessed again.

Winger Kieran Djilali returned to the club on a short-term loan deal on Friday and, after coming on as a second-half substitute, may be promoted to the starting XI.

Neil Sullivan, another new signing, was instrumental as the Dons claimed a point against the Shots and the Doncaster loanee is set to retain his place in goal.

Stacy Long netted a late equaliser at the weekend and is likely to stay in Ardley's team.

Southend boss Paul Sturrock could name an unchanged line-up for the third successive game with Gavin Tomlin set to feature despite being substituted at Torquay.

The striker, who scored twice in the 4-1 victory at Plainmoor, was replaced by Barry Corr midway through the second half as a precaution after his back stiffened up.

But the former Torquay loanee is likely to get the nod again to continue his partnership with Britt Assombalonga - a combination that delighted their manager.

"You have to give credit to them both because they ran Torquay ragged," Sturrock told the Southend Echo.

"We need to take this kind of performance to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday now, but they've been doing well lately and it will be a hard game for us there."

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