Lee Sidwell's hat-trick kept AFC Wimbledon's promotion hopes alive against Walton Casuals on Saturday.

The midfielder took his goal tally this season to 11, but it was not all good news for the Dons who lost Gareth Graham to injury and had centre back Matt Everard sent off.

Casuals started brightly, but Niall Gwynne twice had chances to give the visitors the lead.

After 35 minutes, Everard and Mark Osikoya were sent off by referee Anthony Patel after an off-the-ball incident following a Dons corner.

Shortly afterwards, Dons went in front. Sidwell danced down the right before cutting inside and lofting the ball over keeper Danny Wheeler.

The Dons continued to press forward in the second half with Joe Sheering and Kevin Cooper having good chances.

Walton offered little and their reshuffle to a 4-4-1 formation after Osikoya's red card left Emerson Barrs-James isolated in attack.

Sidwell scored his second after 66 minutes.

He was played through on goal by Sheerin, beat Gary Hope for pace and neatly slotted the ball past Wheeler into the bottom corner.

After 79 minutes, Sidwell completed his hat-trick, sending Wheeler the wrong way after being fouled in the area.

Dons visit Reading Town on Saturday before bringing the curtain down on their inaugural season at home to Raynes Park Vale on Monday (1pm).

Fans are urged to get to Kingsmeadow early because there will be entertainment throughout the afternoon and a big crowd is expected.

l AFC Wimbledon Ladies FC lined up for the crowd at Saturday's game. The FA Women's Premier League team, which played under the Wimbledon FC banner this season, has decided to follow fans' lead by switching allegiance rather than relocating to Milton Keynes.

l Top scorer Kevin Cooper is battling it out with Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola and QPR's Marc Bircham to win BBC London's player of the year poll.

Cooper said: "For the club to get this kind of recognition is a great reward for all the hard work put in by the supporters, players and management."

April 30, 2003 12:00