Post-match reaction from the manager
Neal Ardley saluted Wimbledon’s resilience after his side held on defiantly to deny a spirited York challenge and earn their first away league win since August 19.
Speaking to Dons Player after the 3-2 win at Bootham Crescent, Neal felt that the players showed plenty of character to defy York’s late charge.
“I knew York would be stronger than when we played them in the cup because they’ve signed players on loan,” said Neal. “I thought that York would be attacking and they almost had four out and out forwards on the pitch. We had to make sure that we were resilient at the back and the two goals we conceded came after short corners. The resilience that we showed when they threw everyone forward was fantastic.
“Towards the end we had one or two niggles and our players had to put in a shift on a heavy pitch, but we were not sitting back. We did not invite them on and the opposition had two full backs playing as wingers near the end. They were bombing forward and we had to defend that situation. When you’re in the lead you cannot just gamble and the boys dug in brilliantly.”
George Francomb made a crucial contribution with three assists on the day and Neal was pleased with what his side produced as an attacking force.
“I thought we had an attacking threat right throughout the game and looked like we would get in behind them,” added Neal. “The two goals in the second half for us came after brilliant play from George and Jake Goodman won the ball by pressing in the corner to give him one of those opportunities. We know that we have goals in us.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch Neal Ardley’s full post-match reaction later on and an interview with Sammy Moore will feature tomorrow.