Post-match reaction from Neal Ardley
Neal Ardley has demanded his players repeat the desire and commitment that so nearly pulled off an FA Cup surprise today when they resume their League 2 campaign at Barnet.
The Wimbledon manager was rightly proud of his side’s efforts in front of a national television audience as the visitors were just edged out by League 1 Milton Keynes.
However, speaking to Dons Player, Neal Ardley wants more of the same fighting spirit in the coming weeks so that Wimbledon can push away from the relegation zone.
“It was disappointing as you are in football to win these games,” he said. “After all the build-up and hype, I thought the game went really well. I saw it as a celebration of our club. My main fear was that we would let the fans down, but we gave them a performance to be proud of. The players certainly followed the instructions we gave them in the game plan, which was very positive.
“I just want to get into training on Monday and Tuesday now and focus on what we have ahead. I know that Barnet is a big game, but they are all big games now. We know what we have to do. They were sorry players in the dressing room afterwards, their heads are down, but that’s football and we must use that hurt to strive on and change our performances in the league.”
Neal Ardley praised his players for fighting back and refusing to buckle at Milton Keynes when they came under heavy pressure at the start of the second-half.
“It was a fantastic goal from us to get back into it and that gave the boys belief,” he added. “Then in the last minute when Steven Gregory went through you think that is the big moment, but then they go down the other end and score the winner. That never gave us a chance to respond, but I could not fault the players. We will work hard now in training and try and build some momentum to ensure we stay up this season.”
Dons Player subscribers can view the full video interview with Neal Ardley and the views of Wimbledon goalscorer Jack Midson later on.