Neal Ardley earned his managerial crust after ringing the changes to guide AFC Wimbledon into the second round of the FA Cup.

A 3-1 win over York City under the Tuesday night lights came courtesy of a Jack Smith strike and two Matt Tubbs goals – his first in six games.

But it was a cliche tale of two halves after York went into the break 1-0 ahead, and the Dons looking forlorn and lost.

A half-time verbal and a change of personnel mid-way through the second half turned the game around, but Ardley would take no credit.

“I was disappointed with the first, and at half-time I told the lads a few home truths, and they had 15 minutes to up the tempo or I would make my changes.

“I don’t know if it was managerial brilliance, if it goes well you can take a little bit of credit and if it goes wrong, people ask what the hell were you doing.

“We went brave with three up front, and we were immense in the second half.”

Dons now face a tricky trip to League Two high-fliers Wycombe Wanderers on December 7.

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