Saturday's victory over Luton saw both Alfie Potter and (more notably) David Connolly score their first goal since rejoining the club.

Potter scored just once for us in his first spell, against East Thurrock United. Connolly was somewhat more prolific, with 18 goals in 38 games.

All football clubs occasionally indulge the fans by bringing back former players, and we seem to do it more than most - but few players seem to be able to live up to their reputation once they've returned.

We need look no further than the likes of Jason Euell, Kaid Mohamed and Chris Hussey for examples of popular players who flatter to deceive upon rejoining the club.

What Dons fans are reading:

AFC Wimbledon: Ardley hails "fantastic" Connolly

First time for everything: AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley

Until about 4:54 on Saturday afternoon, it looked like David Connolly might be joining that group.

He'd shown plenty of enthusiasm since signing in January, but seemed to be lacking the pace and cutting edge that made him such a danger to defences earlier in his career.

But his stoppage time winner showed that he has not lost his composure in front of goal, and will hopefully be the start of an upturn in form for him.

Wandsworth Times:

Account open: Alfie Potter hit his first goal since his return to AFC Wimbledon in the win over Luton Town

Even if he doesn't score again this season, the psychological boost of that late winner alone could well justify his signing.

Because for every Jason Euell or Kaid Mohamed, there's a George Francomb or Marcus Gayle, players that come back and do well for us, players that already know what this club is all about.

The debate about whether our tendency to bring back familiar faces is indicative of amateurish nepotism, or the safety of signing a known entity, is unlikely to be settled any time soon, regardless of how well Connolly does this season.

There have even been suggestions in the past that Ardley owes his job with us to his Wimbledon FC past - although hopefully his success this season has put paid to that idea.

I remain to be convinced that Connolly is a better option than the other strikers available to us, but it's hard to deny that his late winner was made a little bit more special by his history with the club.

He may well be the last player to represent both Wimbledon FC and AFC Wimbledon, and our fondness for the familiar may become less obvious as that last generation continue to retire.

But you never know, maybe Connolly's success on Saturday will inspire Neal to dust off his boots, should we ever be short of options in midfield...