Preview of FA Cup tie at Wycombe
Neal Ardley believes FA Cup success on Sunday could reignite Wimbledon’s season and he says that his squad will be giving everything to produce a performance that will make the fans proud.
The incentive of an FA Cup third round tie – and a potential meeting against an elite club – will be up for grabs at Adams Park and the manager is eager to dispel the memories of Wimbledon’s last visit to the same venue.
something to look forward to and it could be a big lift for everyone. There could be the prospect of a big tie in the next round and Wycombe will be feeling exactly the same. There’s also a lot in it financially for clubs at this level if they can get to the third round. Speaking to Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “I know the importance of this and it would be massive if we could be in the hat for the next round. It would mean that we would go into the rest of our December fixtures knowing that there is an FA Cup third round tie for us in January. We could have
“I’m going to spend every single minute of this week – like I do in preparation for each game – preparing the team for this match. We have an extra day to prepare the team in terms of working on a shape and style that will give us the best possible chance. I hope the players want it as much as I do. I believe they will and for all those fans that do come to the game I really hope that we put in a totally different performance from what we showed in the league at Wycombe earlier this season.”
As we announced previously, Jack Smith is facing a two-month injury lay-off due to a knee injury and Andy Frampton (ankle) remains on the treatment table. However, the Dons are boosted by the availability of loan signing Jake Goodman and Neal Ardley says he has a tough choice to select his side for Sunday’s game.
“I have big selection dilemmas in four different positions for the game,” added Neal. “Training will be a big bearing on that and the players who get the shirts must put in full-blooded performances on Sunday. The spirit is good. We were all disappointed with the performance in the last 25 minutes against Cambridge. The game hinged on that chance when we could have gone 2-1 up, but then we went behind a minute later. We all want that consistency that we had in the four or five games before Saturday.
“There is no point in doom and gloom and we have to try and pick everyone up. I do believe that we’re not far away from building some momentum. We have a few injuries now and January may be an important time for us to strengthen, but in the meantime we have to try and put in solid, consistent performances.”
The full team update from Neal Ardley featured on Dons Player and an interview with Alan Bennett is now on our premium channel.
Tickets will be available at the turnstiles on the day at Adams Park for this FA Cup second round tie (2.00 pm kick-off).
Ticket prices are as follows: Adults £19, Seniors (Over-60s) and Young Adults (19-25) £15, Juniors £5, Under-7s £2.