The reversal of start times for the reserves and colt sides paid dividends for one side and almost for the other.

The reserves set the tone attacking the football and putting pressure on the ball carrier. They had a slender lead at half time

But injuries and lack of depth told after last break and the reserves could not sustain their winning form. They still kept up the pressure ensuring the game did not become a blow-out.

The colts repaid their coach Shane Hastie’s faith in them, putting together a game marked by teamwork and commitment.

All on the team sheet contributed, especially Kieran Contarino (handballs under pressure), Steve Wright (tackles and second efforts), Nick Clifford (clearing kicks from defence) and Jaymin O’Dine-Khan (elusiveness on the ball).

But it was the midfield engine room of Ryan Seale Jordan Daly, Jarrid Tynan and Michael Parisella which continually drove the ball into the forward line so Matt McManus and Isaac Wedderburn could, apply scoreboard pressure.

Ricky Marshhad the ball tumbling end over and through goals just seconds before final siren with last kick of the game.

He gave the Dons the winning margin of two points. They ended their day with rousing rendition of the club song in front of big crowd.