Double squad boost for the Dons
AFC Wimbledon’s squad will be bolstered for the League 2 match at promotion contenders Bury with the availability of Jack Smith and Alfie Potter.
Both players were given the green light to return to training by physio Stuart Douglas with Smith (pictured being congratulated by Sean Rigg after his goal against Tranmere) and Alfie Potter having both shrugged off groin injuries.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “They are both back in as they trained with Stuart on Monday and Tuesday. He put them through their paces. Jack and Alfie both trained incredibly hard today and looked sharp so they will both be in contention for the squad. It gives us better options as regards to what shape we play so we are delighted with that.”
The Dons triumphed 3-2 at home to Bury in October and Neal says he has worked his players very hard this week in pursuit of a similar outcome.
“I made a vow a few weeks ago that I would keep driving the players hard after we dropped out of the play-off race,” added Neal. “The training sessions that we put on have to show that. We focused really hard on Tuesday and we have worked really hard today on our shape and our responsibilities from top to bottom. We are aware of how well they pass the ball and what their threats are. The players will know everything they need to know about Bury and it is just about if we can go and do it on Saturday.
“We had as good a week as you can get when we beat Bury as we had won against MK before that. Bury were top of the league at the time and we worked hard on playing against their three at the back. They have changed their shape slightly since. They had been in unbelievable form before they lost on Tuesday.
“The pressure is on now and they are desperate to get into the top three, rather than be in the play-offs. They battered Southend, but Southend did what they do so well and kept a clean sheet. Bury will go for the jugular on Saturday and if we are not at it then we will get punished.”
The full update from Neal Ardley is now on Dons Player and an interview with George Francomb will follow tomorrow.