Key players return for the run-in

Johnnie hopeful on popular midfielder being ready

21 April 2023

Johnnie Jackson is hopeful of having Harry Pell to call upon for our penultimate home game against Swindon Town tomorrow afternoon.

Our manager is gradually seeing players return from injury and the midfielder may not be the only one who could come back into contention, after a week of training at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

“We’re hopeful on Pelly,” said Johnnie after Friday’s training session. “He’s been training this week. You can’t miss him out there! He’s a larger-than-life character, really vocal and brings a lot of energy and spirit to the group. That’s something that we have missed, massively.

“His experience and influence on the group is huge and hopefully we can call upon that on Saturday.

“Huseyin Biler and Ethan Chislett are also getting close to returning. Those boys have been involved in certain sessions this week. We’ve had to dip them in and out, because they are just coming back from injuries, but we’re hopeful that they can play some part.”

Although we’re unlikely to see Forest Green loanee Armani Little in action again this season, after he suffered a hamstring injury at Stevenage last weekend, the outlook is possibly better than initially first thought for the midfielder.

“That’s hopefully the diagnosis he had from the specialist yesterday,” said Johnnie. “It can be managed conservatively and hopefully he won’t need surgery. It’s a big blow for him personally and for me as a manager and for us as a club.

“He’s been outstanding for us, with the attitude that he has shown. You don’t always know what you’re going to get from a loan player and how much they are going to be committed to the cause, but he has given everything for Wimbledon.

“I’m gutted for him, having played pretty much every minute of every game since he has come in. To lose him so late is going to hinder us in the last three games, but more importantly, looking at him, we feared the worst on Saturday night and Sunday morning. It looks like it’s positive news now though and hopefully he can do his rehabilitation and be back in time for pre-season.”

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Swindon are just above mid-table, but they come to Plough Lane off the back of a 1-0 win in midweek over play-off contenders Bradford City.

“I was there to see that,” said Johnnie. “They are a decent side and they’ll be coming here in a buoyant mood, but we’re ready to go and give them a proper game.

“We’ve had a really good week’s training, culminating in today. The energy and the spirit out there amongst the boys showed me they are raring to go for this game and we know we’ve got to be at it.

“There are three big games to go. That’s three opportunities for all the lads that are picked to go out there and show what they are about and showcase their talents. That’s what we’re trying to encourage them to do.

“Let’s take care of business, let’s do our job and then we haven’t got to worry about the end of the season.”

Photos: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).

Match Reports

Wimbledon well beaten

A heavy loss at Plough Lane

22 April 2023

The Dons were dealt a damaging defeat on Saturday afternoon as Swindon Town ran out as 5-1 winners.

An early header from Aaron Pierre was quickly made a distant memory as a Luke Jephcott brace and Luke Wakeling finish put the visitors 3-1 up at the break.

Things then got even worse in the second-half as Tom Clayton and Ronan Darcy’s goals were followed by a red card for Pierre, capping off a very poor display for Wimbledon on home turf.

Johnnie Jackson made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Stevenage as Ethan Chislett, Pierre, Huseyin Biler, Sam Pearson came in for Armani Little, Jack Currie, Chris Gunter and Saikou Janneh. Meanwhile Harry Pell made his comeback from injury to feature amongst the substitutes.

There was an early burst forward from the newly restored Pearson, with the winger arrowing a shot off target. Swindon came ever closer up the other end as Remeao Hutton cleared the bar from close range.

After starting brightly it was the Dons who took the lead inside 10 minutes. A corner was taken short to Chislett who picked out Pierre at the back post, with our number 16 bagging his first goal in yellow and blue.

Our lead lasted for barely eight minutes, with Jephcott equalising from the penalty spot after an adjudged foul in the area. The Robins then had the lead as Hutton’s deep cross was headed in by Wakeling.

Chislett responded with a free-kick straight into the hands of Sol Brynn as we sought to get back level. Disaster then struck for the Dons 18 minutes later as Nik Tzanev passed the ball straight into the path of Jephcott, who easily doubled his tally for the afternoon.

Pearson had a chance to reduce the deficit before half-time but his header was straight into the arms of Brynn. Pell was introduced at half-time as the management team looked to add an extra attacking edge.

The change affected little however as a header from Tom Clayton extended the visitors’ lead. In response we offered little, with Diallang Jaiyesimi’s rising effort being the closest we came. Ronan Darcy then added a fifth from the penalty spot after Pierre was sent off for handball, summing up our current predicament.

AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Lee Brown, Alex Woodyard (George Marsh), Will Nightingale, Diallang Jaiyesimi (Jack Currie), Ethan Chislett (Saikou Janneh), Ali Al-Hamadi, Aaron Pierre, Kasey McAteer, Huseyin Biler, Sam Pearson (Harry Pell)

Attendance: 8,421 (1,191)

PICS: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)

Match Reports

Ticket News

Matchday Guide: 8,000 and counting for Swindon clash

All you need to know ahead of tomorrow's big match

21 April 2023

With 8,000 tickets already sold for Saturday’s big clash versus Swindon, it’s shaping up to be another exciting matchday at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Yes, we’re counting down the hours until our penultimate home game of 2022/23. The men from Wiltshire will be backed by a sizeable away following of 1,150, so let’s crank up the decibel levels and create an electric atmosphere in support of the Dons.

Make sure you’re a part of what’s shaping up to be another big blue and yellow occasion by snapping up a ticket in advance.

And you can make a day of it by joining us early with the Phoenix Pub open from 12 noon – catch the Premier League match between Fulham and Leeds United from 12.30 pm – as well as enjoying delicious cuisine from one of the best food parks around.

Take a look below at our full matchday guide – and join us to cheer on the Dons to victory!

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Tickets

It's well worth buying in advance for £2 cheaper than on the day (Adults and Concessions).

Buy now from our online ticket shop.

Dons supporters can buy on the day from our ticket office in the Club Shop.

Our friendly ticket office team will also be available to help you with any queries, reprints of tickets and away game collections and sales.

Hospitality

Make the most of the Dons matchday experience by watching from prime viewing seats in the stadium after sampling an array of culinary delights before the big game.

We've got very limited hospitality places available, so book now by visiting our Seat Unique Hospitality website.

Returns

Season ticket returns will really help us as we can make your seat available for resale, allowing more Dons to come along.

Please kindly let us know by e-mailing ticketreturns@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk with your name and the block, row, and seat number of the seat(s) you are releasing.

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A TV warm-up for the big one!

Catch all the action from the Premier League clash between Fulham and Leeds United (12.30 pm kick-off) by popping into our By The Horns Phoenix Pub. This will be open from 12 noon with entry via the Club Shop (your ticket will be scanned by a steward at the back of the shop).

Half-time Challenge

Make sure you offer your support to Dons supporter Richard Dorris in his big half-time challenge!

Richard, who attends the Leyton Road Day Centre (formerly High Path), is aiming to score on the hallowed turf, but he has to get the better of a 'formidable' presence on the day with Ivor Heller between the sticks.

Richard is raising funds for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust and you can make a contribution by visiting his JustGiving page.

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Programme

Make sure you get your hands on a copy of our fantastic matchday programme - an absolute must for your collection.

It includes the following:

An exclusive interview with Ethan Chislett
Obituary for Dons fan Chris Burgess
News of a priceless donation to WiSH and their first presentation of the Dennis Lowndes Trophy
A chat with DLAG founder Xavier Wiggins
Important updates from the Foundation, WOWSA, and the Academy

Club Shop

There's extra incentive to make time for a visit to our Club Shop tomorrow.

That's because you can take advantage of up to 45 per cent off on the original prices of Dons kit.

Yes, the savings offered by our Retail team just keep on coming with the 2022/23 training kit joining the rest of our hummel ranges on the reduced rack.

With up to 45 per cent off original prices, there’s plenty to choose from in popular sizes with the first-team having passed over their unused stock.

On offer are Training Tees, Matchday Tees, Hoodies, ¼ Zips, Polos, Walkout Jackets and Coats - all available from 11am when the doors open prior to our game against Swindon Town. The reductions will also be available online at the same time.

Mat, Anthony and the amazing Shop Volunteer Team look forward to seeing you!

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Bars and Food

We’ve got one of THE best food parks around and you can also enjoy a bite to eat from kiosks in the Cappagh (West Stand).

Our By The Horns Phoenix Pub is the place for quality beers, so enjoy a nice tipple or two after choosing from a wide range of culinary delights.

Food is served up by several different cuisines from local businesses, including the following:

La Posta
MyPie
All Burgers
Ding Ding
Dough Shack
Berlin Doner Kebab
Naked Chips

The food park is situated behind the South London Movers Stand with kiosks open until 6pm - last drinks orders from the Movers Stand bar at the same time.

For supporters in the Cappagh Stand, you can get your matchday pint in extra quick time by accessing our new EBAR machines, which we are using on a trial basis. Fans can buy pints of Lager, Camden Pale Ale and Guinness from the EBAR.

Another quick way to get your pint is by utilising SwipeStation! Supporters can get a swift pint of Camden Pale Ale or Stella Artois from designated stations around the ground, including behind the Ry (East) Stand.

Autograph Zone

There'll be an opportunity for fans to get signatures from our players after the game by accessing our autograph zone in the under croft (behind the Club Shop).

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Man of the Match presentations

We’ve recently been hosting two Man of the Match presentations so that all of our fanbase feel engaged with what’s going on – and we’ll be continuing that on Saturday.

We’ll be hosting the first one in our traditional venue outside the Phoenix Pub with the star man selected by our match sponsors interviewed by Ivor Heller as soon as possible after the game.

Following this, the Man of the Match will make his way up to the Sliver Lounge, where another presentation will take place. Those who have booked hospitality will be invited to stay on for the post-match entertainment, but all supporters will be welcome upstairs to enjoy a drink or two in the Silver Lounge.

Please note the following:

Access to Man of the Match in the Silver Lounge will be via a queue in the under croft (rear of staff entrance / rear reception entrance). This can be accessed near the pub/back of the shop entrance.
If you are sitting in the Cappagh Stand please use the stairs in the pub, or if you are sitting in the Ry or South London Movers Stand please make your way from behind the South Stand and past the pub. Please Note: No spectators will be able to leave the ground and re-enter to access the queue as this goes against our licensing terms.
Entry is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with fans will only allowed up to the second floor once it is safe to do so after fans leaving the ground post-match.
If numbers reach capacity in the Silver Lounge fans will be escorted to the Mezzanine area, and those with access will be given a wristband.

Dons TV

Get in the mood for the big game by joining our 9yrs Podcast team pre-match on Saturday. There will also be a post-match show, starting around 15-20 minutes after the game.

Follow the club's official Facebook and YouTube channels and you will receive a notification about the show.

Golden Goal tickets

Tickets will be on sale at the game tomorrow (priced at £1) with the top prize of £100 (all funds raised are donated to the Club), so look out for our Golden Goal sellers on Saturday.

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Dons Local Action Group Collection Point

There will once again be collection points for DLAG on Saturday with supporters invited to donate food to those less fortunate in the community.

Masterminded by our award-winning Dons Local Action Group (DLAG), fans will be able to drop off tinned supplies - with an urgent need for tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tinned fish, tinned fruit, and tinned pulses. Food collection points will be located at every entrance into the stadium.

Access to the stadium

All home fans will enter via the Plough Lane end of the Stadium only. Please note that fans in the South London Movers Stand or Ry Stand can only enter via Gates 3, 4 and 5. Fans seated in the Cappagh Stand can only enter via Gate 2.

Away fans can only access the Stadium via Gate 7, which can be accessed via St Martin’s Way or Maskell Road.

Kids Zone

This will be open on Saturday. Fans will be able to meet Haydon, our favourite Womble, and there’s also plenty of fun activities for children to get involved with. The Kids Zone is positioned on the concourse behind the Family Section on the corner of the East and South stands.

Specifically for kids aged between 5-12, it is open from 1.30pm to 2.45pm with activities organised on a rotation basis. Please note that children MUST be supervised by parents at all times.

Reusable cups

We have a reusable beer cup scheme to replace all single use plastic pint cups around the stadium. Once you’ve finished your beer, please dispose of your cup within the reusable cup bins located around the stadium.

For a map of the stadium, and other information, including details about bringing bags into the ground and our cycle store facility, see our Matchday Guide section on the official website.