Vice-captain calls for more battling displays
Barry Fuller has called on his team-mates to repeat the battling qualities shown in their last two games during the remainder of this season.
Spirited performances at Newport and Fleetwood has breathed new life into Wimbledon’s season and Fuller, who wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Alan Bennett on Saturday, is demanding more of the same.
“We have to dig in and get ready to go again for York City next Saturday,” said Fuller. “We have come through two fixtures that beforehand you would look at and say ‘they are going to be tough games’. We showed great character to come from behind and get three points at Newport. After another long journey to Fleetwood we’ve produced another great team performance to earn a clean sheet and a point. We had a few chances and on another day they could have gone in, but a draw was a fair result overall.
“Jon Parkin can be very difficult to defend against, but Will Antwi and Darren Jones did not give him an inch. They won headers and put their bodies on the line when it was needed. That is what you need at this time of the season in your team.”
Wimbledon’s squad has been strengthened in recent weeks with the additions of Michael Collins and Tom Richards, signings that Fuller believes add real strength in depth to the ranks.
Speaking to Rob Cornell on Dons Player, Fuller added: “It can be difficult for any player to come into the team straight away, especially for a youngster. But Tom showed that he could cope. It was his league debut and he helped the team get a clean sheet. Tom should be over the moon so congratulations to him.
“When Michael first came in he probably needed the games, but he is getting fitter now with more matches. Michael has a bit of composure and he wants to get on the ball. It’s nice to see that we have quite a few midfielders now and they’re fighting for places.”
Highlights from Saturday's game at Fleetwood, along with an important update from the AFC Wimbledon Academy, can be viewed by clicking on Dons You Tube .