This was a must-win game for The Dons' and, on paper, that should have been a mere formality. Having kept four consecutive clean sheets and rapidly climbing up the table, an air of confidence was quite rightly in evidence in the changing room, ahem, the boggy touchline.

With Teager laying out his tarpaulin on the turf to protect those twinkle toes, a rallying call came from the 'gaffer: "pretend they're top of the league, start quick, get in their faces and play the football that has seen us sweep aside much better teams."

It was clear from the first whistle that this was going to be a tough ninety minutes - Farnham were aggressive and quick on the press. And then there was the pitch - this was no Badger Park - small, narrow, boggy and more congested than a lockdown party at No10.

Chances came and went for the Dons' and, to be frank, either team could have sneaked a goal or two. Prosser was unlucky with a header in the latter part of the half and Teager sliced a shot wide - definitely a byproduct of the tricky conditions.

Half time: Dons' 0-0 Farnham Town

With Aubury and Richards providing fresh legs for the second half, a renewed energy was in evidence and it was with great delight (and relief) when Prosser stepped up and slammed a low free-kick beyond the 'keeper.

50: Dons' 1-0 Farnham Town (L Prosser)

And then a big blow for the Dons' - Whippet Teager pulled up and had to come off with a back injury. Enter 'the Rhino' and a reshuffle of positions.

The Dons' spent much of the remainder of the half under pressure from Farnham but looked comfortable. Carey and Peterson looked like trojans at the back. There was no way Farnham were going to get back into this. Right? And then disaster struck. Farnham Town managed to scramble the ball home, breaking 'keeper Russ' clean sheet record. Some say he let it in on purpose to ensure his wallet remained unscathed...

85: Dons' 1-1 Farnham Town (A Rsehole)

At that, the gaffer tore across the pitch in a fit of rage, demanding that Cleaves return to the field. This was not over. Minutes later, a delectable cross from Prosser saw Cleaves nod home. No flag this time. GOOOOOOOAAAAAL!!! The Dons' had done it!

88: Dons' 2-1 Farnham Town (P Cleaves)

And then a moment of madness/magic. Aubury, playing left back, had had enough. He picked up the ball in his own half and danced his way down the pitch, skipping and dodging the helpless opposition. Into the box he strode, twisting, turning. Head up. Trigger pulled. Saved.

Moments later, the game was put to bed. More great work from the reinvigorated Cleaves saw him break down the channel, slide the ball across the six yard box to AN ONSIDE PATEMAN, who tapped home. Game over.

90: Dons' 3-1 Farnham Town (D Pateman)

Jubilant scenes at the end. This was no vintage performance but one that reaped a huge three points as the Dons' continue to push for the title. Character, grit, determination. That's what you need when things don't go your way. We go again next week and look to cull some badgers.

MoM: John Blade - a battling performance from a man who literally spilled blood today.