Preview for tonight's match
Neal Ardley says that Wimbledon will be taking the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy competition very seriously even though it comes during a packed fixture list in October.
Wimbledon could book a last-16 tie in the JPT if they can cause a surprise at Milton Keynes tonight and Neal Ardley will select a strong squad for this match.
“We have our aspirations in the league, but clubs like us want to have runs in knockout competitions,” Neal said. “It would provide a bit of excitement and be good financially. You don’t think about getting to Wembley in the first couple of rounds, but it’s a feeling that starts to grow after that and it has to start somewhere.
“We want to try and find a way of beating a good team. We’ve sat down and planned how we will aim to do that. They have to play six players from the team that played on Saturday so we know they’re going to be strong.”
Wimbledon have six matches in total during this month and tonight’s JPT tie comes just four days before League 2 leaders Bury visit the Cherry Red Records Stadium. However, Neal Ardley says he has his squad fighting fit and raring to go.
“We have a few bumps and bruises after Saturday, but they’re all okay,” added Neal Ardley. “Considering the start to this season and playing Saturday, Tuesday every week, the management and sports science team have done well to limit the number of muscle injuries.
“We had to make sure that the players who played on Saturday got a good recovery so that they’re ready to go again because we have a tough month of fixtures ahead. With the players who did not play, we have to get a certain amount of fitness into them so that they are where they need to be.”
.JPT previewIf you missed the first part of our interview with Neal Ardley, click on