'Professional' Dons avoid Barnet banana skin

Despite two divisions separating the sides, assistant manager Luke Williams said there are no easy games in the FA Cup after Dons edged past Barnet to book their spot in the third round.

Cameron Jerome came off the bench to net the only goal of the game eight minutes from time to see off the second National League side in succession, having beaten Eastleigh on penalties in the opening round. For Barnet, they were hoping for their second League One scalp too, having dismissed Burton last time out.

"We had to avoid that banana skin." said Williams afterwards. "These games are so tough because the other team are so motivated and know what is at stake and the third round could be huge for either club.

"You can't be all teams at all times – you can't be Barcelona going forward, and Athletico Madrid defending. You can't have everything. We're trying to strike a balance and be true to ourselves, to control the possession and create chances and we've done that. At times, yes, people will want us to play quicker, and more direct but we have to be true to ourselves, stick to our process and we got the job done doing that.

"It's very seldom a walkover. Teams that have been dumped out of the cup already will testify to that. Burton were victims of Barnet in the last round. These games are never easy, and the expectation is so high for you to win. You know the other team are highly motivated too, and the players don't necessarily even know they're trying harder because of the sense of occasion.

"We had to avoid the banana skin but we were very professional, controlled the game and managed to get the win."