Junior Quitirna’s 12th-minute strike and a well-taken Niall Huggins finish midway through the second period secured the Chairboys’ first win in four, and ended a run of eight consecutive league games against the Dons without a win.

During the icy and freezing conditions in South Buckinghamshire, Wanderers were clinical in attack and gave the wouth London side no time on the ball.

The visitors improved during the second period, but rarely tested goalkeeper Will Norris.

Speaking at full-time, Duff said: “A decent but a tired performance from both teams, as there was an extra game in this Christmas period where there isn’t one usually.

“I thought it was a bit scary at times as that is what Wimbledon do, but we showed our quality.

“We hit the crossbar early, got a good goal, and then we started the second half really well as we had chance after chance, but that is where it can get nervy as you’re thinking, ‘Are we going to pay for this?’

“They were having a spell in the game but in the end we picked them off and could have scored two or three times.

“We knew that the second half was going to kill them off, but we have shown quickly off one- and two-touch, and when we keep it with a purpose, we’re a half-decent team.

“The Luton game (losing 4-0 on Boxing Day) might not be a bad thing, as it was a reminder of how we were at the start of the season, and what we could turn into if we have five or six touches on the ball, passing it back to our keeper who ends up booting it.

“It’s pointless football.

“Today we showed that quality and aggression and we came out on top.”

Dons boss Johnnie Jackson rued his side’s defending for both goals, but was pleased with the reaction despite the defeat in the Thames Valley.

Wimbledon, who are back in their first season back in League One after a three-year stint in League Two, have won only one of their last seven games in the division.

Jackson said: “I thought we were well in the game, but the big moments at both ends have cost us.

“I am disappointed with both goals as I thought we were too passive, lost a couple of duels, we didn’t defend our box well enough, and that has cost us because we showed that we had enough during the game.

“We had good chances; there was one-way traffic towards the end, but they are defending a lead.

“I’m pleased with how we chased the game, but ultimately, it is all about fine margins and in the big moments, they were better.”