Centre-back aims to build on great record
There’s not far for AFC Wimbledon’s players to turn for advice about how to pull off a victory at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow.
has experienced that winning feeling at Bristol Rovers twice in the past two seasons during his time at Cheltenham Town.Alan BennettThat’s because centre-back
The 31-year-old has a good record at tomorrow’s venue having helping the Robins to 3-1 and 1-0 victories respectively at Bristol Rovers in the last two campaigns.
His leadership and experience could prove invaluable at in-form Rovers tomorrow when the Dons will need to show fighting spirit in abundance to boost their survival hopes.
, Alan Bennett said: “Last season I went there with Cheltenham and we won and earlier this season it was another good result. It is one of those places though where you need to weather the storm and really dig in. We have to be strong at the back, but we also have to be courageous in certain periods and try and create good opportunities for ourselves. We have lacked that a bit recently and if we can show more quality and keep a clean sheet, then we can do well.Dons PlayerSpeaking to Rob Cornell on
“It will be tough because John Ward has come in as manager and done really well. He is a former Cheltenham manager who knows the area and he brought in good players for this level. But we need to put in a good performance for the supporters and ourselves.”
back in the squad is a real plus, but he says that everyone must share the responsibility for getting goals at the other end after two games without scoring.Sammy MooreAlan believes that having
“Having Sammy back is a bonus,” added Alan. “Sammy puts in a good shift for the team whenever he plays. He puts in a lot of good work in front of the back four, which perhaps some people do not always notice. As a centre-back I fully appreciate it.
“Everybody needs to chip in for goals. The manager said after the Barnet game that we had plenty of opportunities from set-pieces. We need to up the quality from those chances because probably half the goals in the division this weekend will be scored from set-pieces.”
Tomorrow is AFC Wimbledon Volunteers Day when the hard work of people who give up their time for free will be repaid by the club with an expenses paid trip. The Irishman says the event offers extra incentive tomorrow to repay the club’s supporters with a priceless victory.
“It is an incredible incentive and this is something original that not many clubs would be able to do,” he added. “It is a great idea that the club repays supporters who have put in a great shift throughout the season. One of the first things I noticed when I came here was that for people in the background, the club is not an obligation, but a passion. Their energy and enthusiasm carries into the dressing room. I am sure we will have a good support there tomorrow. They will be in that corner making a racket and hopefully we can put on a show for them.”
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