TWO goals in the dying minutes ensured Preston North End ended 2001 on a low.

With just three minutes to go, a stirling effort from the defence plus stunning saves from David Lucas seemed set to reward the travellers with a point.

Then Neil Ardley sent a corner in to Darren Holloway whose shot deflected into the path of Neil Shipperley, who scored from close range.

Then Patrick Agyemang flattered Wimbledon with a second by turning home a cross from fellow sub Jobi McAnuff.

It was a killer way to end a game which North End had managed to keep control of, even if they never looked liked winning.

Lucas led from the back, stopping close range shots from Shipperley and Ardley, while Colin Murdoch and Chris Lucketti marshalled the back line very well.

But Preston were obviously missing the midfield driving force of Sean Gregan and chances for front men Jon Macken and David Healy were few and far between to say the least.

Wimbledon 2 - 0 Preston North End