Experienced defender on tonight's Cambridge match
Paul Robinson says that AFC Wimbledon must strive to match the performance levels produced in the second-half at Crawley on a regular basis if they want to achieve success this season.
The experienced centre-back, who led Millwall into the Championship five years ago, knows exactly what is required to achieve promotion.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player ahead of tonight’s home match against Cambridge, Robinson said: “In the second half we put in a performance that we know we are capable of producing. It set a benchmark and that is the level that we have to try and achieve week in and week out. It is a long, hard season and every week we have to be at it. Every team is going to be tough and will provide a test physically. We will have to stand up to that. Any good team that wants to achieve something has to have a character that will see them through.
“The manager has assembled a good, strong squad of players here, but perhaps he felt that in the first half on Saturday we were not showing that on the pitch. He let us know about that. He is very calm and composed as a manager so it showed that we really needed to buck our ideas up . We did that and now we can look forward to the Cambridge game.”
Robinson knows that Wimbledon will face a big test tonight against a Cambridge side viewed as one of the promotion favourites before the season started, but he is relishing his first match under the lights at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
“They have spent a fair bit of money and it was a big summer for them,” added Robinson. “It looks like they are having a real go. I have played against quite a few of their players before and I am looking forward to the challenge. I know what is coming. It is important for us too, especially at home on a Tuesday night under the lights. It is important for us to put in a performance and really start making our home stadium a place that other teams fear coming to.
“I was really impressed by our fans on Saturday and I could not believe the noise that they were making. It was a massive effort and it was great to give them something to cheer about. They were in great voice, but the players were buzzing too. Everyone went home happy.”
to subscribe.Dons PlayerThe full interview with Paul Robinson featured on Dons Player yesterday, along with Neal Ardley’s update. Live match commentary will be provided by WDON tonight, which is available via our new-look Dons Player service. Click on