Terry: Something has got to give

Two teams on unbeaten runs battle for a place in round three

25 November 2022

We’ll face one of the National League’s “powerhouses” when Chesterfield visit us tomorrow.

That's the view of our Assistant Manager Terry Skiverton, ahead of the match versus a side currently third in the National League. Though we’re on a ten-game unbeaten run, Saturday’s visitors to Plough Lane are flying high in the league below us after eight games unbeaten – including getting the better of League Two rivals Northampton in the previous round.

“They're one of the powerhouses of the division,” said Terry. “They’ve been in the Football League before and they've got a great pedigree. We need to stand up to them because they don’t know what defeat looks like recently. They’re on a hell of a run, but so are we, so something has got to give.”

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“I know three of their players from my time at Yeovil Town. Striker Joe Quigley, we sold to Chesterfield, midfielder Tom Whelan played for us, and so did forward Kabongo Tshimanga. Paul Cook is a very experienced manager, alongside a good assistant in Danny Webb. They set their teams up to be very expansive and they create a lot of chances.

“I know what the figures were when we sold Joe Quigley to Chesterfield and Tshimanga didn’t go cheap either. There are a lot of clubs with a lot of pulling power in that division and it’s no small club we’re facing. We’re mindful of that.”

“We’re on a good run. We’re positive and on the front foot. No doubt they’ll be looking at our strengths and how we’re playing at the moment and be thinking the same things as us. Hopefully, we have a really partisan atmosphere with the Wombles getting behind us and our boys are ready for it. We’re not underestimating them and we’re ready to go out and fight for the cause.

“Everybody in the squad is stepping up. Even when we’ve made changes, the team functions in the same way. The shape looks the same and in and out of possession looks the same. Runs like this can be few and far between. We have to milk it as much as we can and see how far we can go. Our mind is on this game - to keep the run going - but most importantly with our cup tradition we want to make sure that we get through to the next round.”

While we’re still without defender Chris Gunter, who is on international duty, and parent club Huddersfield don’t want on loan forward Kyle Hudlin involved, there have been encouraging developments with defenders Paul Osew and Lee Brown. Both were back out on the grass training with physio Tim Maynard.

“They’ve been out doing light work,” added Terry. "They’re ahead of schedule and it’s good to see them out there. With the run that we’re on and everyone buoyant, they’ll want to be a part of it. They’ve got to be patient and ready, but they’ll be welcomed back because they are both excellent players.”

You can listen to the full interview with Assistant Manager Terry Skiverton ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup second tie below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.

Match Reports

Below-par Dons exit cup

A second round loss

26 November 2022

AFC Wimbledon were eliminated from the FA Cup after a 2-0 loss to Chesterfield which left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Our side were a yard off the pace for much of the game and were made to pay for it as the National League promotion contenders struck either side of half-time through Armando Dobra and Jeff King.

We didn’t match the physicality of the Spireites and it was a performance far removed from what we’ve come to expect during the past 10 games.

There is now added importance placed on our next match as we bid to make sure this is more of a disappointing blip than anything else.

Johnnie Jackson made 10 changes to the side which defeated Sutton United in the Papa John’s Trophy as the likes of Nik Tzanev, Alex Woodyard and Harry Pell were restored to the starting eleven. Meanwhile Huseyin Biler dropped to the bench as Isaac Ogundere came in at right-back.

Tzanev was tested early on by a confident Chesterfield side as he dived down low to his left to keep out Quigley’s header. We then had our first opening of the 90 minutes as Ethan Chislett saw his shot hacked clear off the line after he rounded Spireites goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimmons.

Dobra then gave the visitors the lead against the run of play as he fired home from inside the penalty area after we were caught in transition.

Moving into the second-half and it was the early introduction of Biler that added some extra freshness on the right-hand side. The pacey full-back knocked in a brilliant ball that Pell could only strike over the bar from close range.

Disaster then struck for the Dons as a cross from King caught Tzanev out of position 15 minutes from time.

This all but ended the tie as a contest as we now look to pick ourselves up for our next League Two game against Grimsby Town.

AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Alex Woodyard, Harry Pell, Josh Davison, Ayoub Assal, Ethan Chislett (Courtney Senior), Ryley Towler, Paris Maghoma (Alfie Bendle), Jack Currie, Paul Kalambayi, Isaac Ogundere (Huseyin Biler)

PICS: Simon Traylen (Pro Sports Images)

Match Reports

Ticket News

Matchday Guide: Join us for the magic of the FA Cup

All you need to know ahead of Saturday's game

25 November 2022

The Dons are back in the famous old competition that we won back in 1988 – and your support tomorrow can help us create more magical FA Cup memories.

Chesterfield, currently third in the National League, are sure to provide a stern test, so we need you to turn our stadium into a cauldron of noise and lift Johnnie’s boys into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

You’re welcome to arrive early from 1.00 pm and get in the mood for the game by sampling tasty treats from our fantastic food park and enjoy a pre-match tipple in our By The Horns Phoenix Pub.

There’s also extra incentive to come along as you’ll get priority for a potential home tie against one of the Premier League’s elite – after Season Ticket holders, Debenture holders, Stadium+ and Dons Trust+ members.

Below is a summary of match arrangements ahead of tomorrow’s big game.

Tickets

Buy today at the cheaper rate as ticket prices rise by £2 for adults and concessions on matchdays.

Tickets in advance at the following prices:

Adults £20
Concessions £10
Under-18s £5

Buy now from our online ticket shop .

You can also get your ticket on the day from the Ry Stand ticket booth.

Man of the Match presentation

There’s a change of venue for tomorrow’s presentation as we will be staging this up in the Silver Lounge at approximately 5.30 pm. For fans not in hospitality, access can be gained after the game via the back of reception (door in the middle of Seedrs investors plaques). Supporters are welcome to enjoy a drink in the Silver Lounge bars before the presentation gets underway.

Please use the stairs up to the second floor if you possibly can because we want to keep the lifts for those with mobility issues. This change of venue for the presentation is on a trial basis, so we would appreciate your patience if there are any issues.

Roadworks

If travelling in by road, please allow extra time to make your journey to the stadium. This is because of essential roadworks being carried out on Plough Lane.

Black Friday deals in the Club Shop

The 10 per cent online discount for Black Friday will also apply to every fan making a purchase in our Club Shop on Saturday, with the discount being automatically applied at the till. The club shop will be open from 11.30 am until 2.55 pm, at half-time, and then straight after the match until 6pm.

Our fantastic food park

Situated behind the South London Movers Stand, you can choose from a wide range of culinary delights, as provided by several different cuisines from local businesses, including the following:

MyPie
Traditional Jerk Chicken
All Burgers
Ding Ding

The food trucks will stop serving at 6:00pm with last drink orders on the Movers Stand bar at the same time. The Phoenix pub will remain open after the game and there’s plenty of incentive to stay on afterwards as we’ll be showing World Cup football games. Catch the second-half of France versus Denmark (4.00 pm kick-off) and Argentina versus Mexico (7.00 pm kick-off).

The pub will also be serving spirits. Please note that the full range of spirits will be available from after the final whistle until closing time. Pre-mixed cans will be available prior to the final whistle.

Fans are permitted to bring water in a clear plastic bottle if they wish. However, no glass, cans, or metal bottles will be allowed. Thermos flasks are permitted.

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The SwipeStation app is the quickest way to order your matchday pint!

Camden Pale Ale and Stella Artois are available on the app with fans able to redeem their drinks orders from designated stations in the Cappagh (West) Stand. For more information, download the SwipeStation User Guide .

Christmas Toy Collection Appeal

Please answer our Christmas call to bring a smile to the faces of young children at St George's Hospital during the festive period.

Our Foundation are launching the Christmas Toy Collection Appeal with supporters invited to donate new toys to the Club during the week and at our next two home games - starting with Chesterfield tomorrow.

Supporters can drop off items at our club reception or at the Foundation's Family Zone gazebo (behind the Ry Stand) before this game or the Grimsby match on Saturday week. Alternatively, you can deliver them to us on week days at reception (from Monday 28 November until Friday 9 December - 9 am until 5 pm).

Toys or gifts should be brand new only and in their original packing and be appropriate for the ages 2–14 and in the £5-£10 price range. (please note that we are unable to accept second hand toys or those not in packaging).

Programme

Make sure you get a copy of our special FA Cup edition on Saturday as it includes the following:

An exclusive interview with Paul Kalambayi
A look back at the 1987 FA Cup run
An obituary for Francis Joseph
Reports and pictures from the latest Academy and Women’s Cup wins

The programme (usual price of £3) will be on sale from outside the club shop, behind the South London Movers Stand, within the Cappagh (West) Stand and at the away end.

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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.

Dons Trust Board Elections

Visit the Dons Trust Stall before the game tomorrow and find out more about the upcoming elections and those candidates who are standing for it. Election Steering Group members will be on hand to answer your queries to provide information about casting your vote. In addition, Dons Trust members who cannot locate their electronic ballot can receive a replacement ballot. Deadline for voting is on Saturday 3 December.

Fans' TV

Our club show is back – and better than ever!

Join our 9yrs Podcast team and guests for the pre-match show (from 1.50pm) and post-match reaction (approximately five mins after full-time).

If you follow either our official You Tube channel or our Facebook page you will get a notification inviting you to tune in.

Dons Local Action Group Food Collection Point

We will once again be organising collection points 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.

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Access to the stadium

Turnstiles for home fans open at 1.00 pm and at 1.30 pm for away supporters. For fans who have purchased matchday hospitality, please enter the stadium via Gate 1, which will open at 12 noon.

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.

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.

Ticket News

AFC Wimbledon

Standings

Terry: Something has got to give

Below-par Dons exit cup

Matchday Guide: Join us for the magic of the FA Cup

Extra incentive to get your FA Cup ticket

FA Cup calling! Priority window open