Quotes from both managers ahead of the Dons versus Sutton
AFC Wimbledon will be aiming to secure another landmark moment in the club’s history tonight against a team that bring back memories of when it all started back in 2002.
However, Neal Ardley says that it will be far from a walkover as AFC Wimbledon seek a place in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round for the first time against a Sutton side who provided stubborn opposition at Gander Green Lane last time.
Extra spice has been added to the importance of a local derby in front of a sell-out crowd with the winners drawn to play Championship side Leeds United in the fourth round.
QUOTES
Neal Ardley
“We go into this on the back of a really good performance and three points. That’s really important because it takes us into it in good spirits. Obviously, we know how big the cup tie is; it is big for our season and big for the club. The boys are desperate to get into the next round.
“They are good at set-pieces and they have players who can make a difference. We know ‘Tubbsy’, Roarie Deacon has done it in the past, and they have Craig Eastmond in midfield. We just have to focus on ourselves and make sure that our game is better than what it was in the first match. We have to make sure we do our jobs properly.
“It is not going to be easy, it is not going to be a walkover that people expect. It is the FA Cup and Millwall smashed Bournemouth in the last round. No one can think that AFC Wimbledon are immune to an upset. We have to make sure that does not happen and we are going to need everyone to be behind us in that.”
Paul Doswell
“We’re up against a League One team, with better players and nine times out of 10 Wimbledon will win. The only reason to have hope is because it’s called the FA Cup. We know we are massive underdogs but we have got a chance. I compare it to the Championship play-off final and getting in the Premier League.
“We are up almost £200,000 from the Cup run and that would take us to £500,000 if we beat Wimbledon, which is beyond our wildest dreams.”
TEAM NEWS
For Wimbledon, Andy Barcham (hamstring) and George Francomb (illness) were due to be assessed today and Jon Meades (ankle) is doubtful.
Sutton will have to do without Ben Jefford, Craig McAllister and Craig Dundas as they are all cup tied, but Louis John is available having been ineligible for the 2-2 draw at Worthing on Saturday.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Two former Dons will be back at the Cherry Red Records Stadium tonight. Ross Worner made 50 league appearances for AFC Wimbledon in a two-year spell between 2013 and 2015. Matt Tubbs had a goal-laden loan spell here during the 2014/15 season, before leaving in the January transfer window after the Liverpool FA Cup game. Our centre-back Darius Charles had a loan spell at Sutton in 2007 during his time at Brentford.
LAST MEETING
Sutton United 0 AFC Wimbledon 0 (7 January 2017)
(Last 6 in all competitions, starting with most recent)FORM GUIDE
AFC Wimbledon WDDLLW
Sutton United DLDWLW
LAST TIME OUT
AFC Wimbledon 2 Oxford United 1
Worthing 2 AFC Wimbledon 2
TICKETS
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