Jason H takes a look at this Saturday’s League 2 match at Kingsmeadow …

Having been a good bet for automatic promotion before Easter, City go into a crunch match away to AFC Wimbledon outside the playoffs having played a game more than their nearest rivals. There is perhaps some light at the end of the tunnel for Paul Tisdale with regard to injuries – Alan Gow travelled with the City squad to Rotherham and took place in the warm-up, gow_featalthough it’s thought that Saturday may be too soon to risk him. Another selection puzzle is at right back – with both regular choices Kevin Amankwaah and Steve Tully injured Aaron Dawson stepped in on Tuesday but endured a torrid time against Ben Pringle, and was substituted at half-time with Scot Bennett slotting in. Bennett may be preferred on Saturday, which could open the door for Anton Rodgers – the son of Liverpool manager Brendan, he was one of City’s brighter players when coming on for his debut at Rotherham. Indeed, the improved second half display could lead to City’s line-up at Wimbledon reflecting that which finished the game on Tuesday night.

AFC Wimbledon find themselves mired deep in the relegation dogfight entering the last couple of weeks of the season. A poor start saw the popular Terry Brown fall on his sword, replaced by ex-Wimbledon player Neal Ardley, but in a season where it might take a record points tally to stay up he has been unable to pull his side clear of danger. In fact, a run of three straight defeats has seen their relative safety evaporate much as City’s recent run has dented their promotion hopes, and Ardley’s side are currently in 21st place, just two points ahead of York in the relegation zone. There is plenty of firepower in their squad, most notably for City supporters being loanee Gary Alexander, but his return has been disappointing with just two goals to his name. Top scorer is Jack Midson with 13 in all competitions, while one could note their lack of squad consistency as being a reason for their poor showing – 45 players have so far been used in league matches (compare this with 28 for City even in an wimbledon_featinjury-ravaged season).

Saturday marks the first occasion on which City will have visited the Cherry Red Records Fans’ Stadium – both occasions City have been the hosts have ended in victory for the Grecians, including a 2-0 win back in November (Cureton and O’Flynn the scorers).

Exeweb’s guide to travel, pubs and the ground. http://www.exeweb.com/2013/03/21/the-things-you-need-to-know-kingsmeadow/

Match Officials for Saturday: http://www.exeweb.com/2013/04/11/match-officials-away-to-afc-wimbledon/

By Jason H