Midfielder says being in play-off spots on merit is important
Dannie Bulman believes that Saturday’s victory at Plymouth was a big victory in the play-off race as it eased the pressure on Neal Ardley’s men.
The Dons had been playing catch-up in the hunt for a top-seven berth, especially after the postponement against Portsmouth, but now the players are in control of their own destiny after two successive wins.
Wimbledon host Crawley next on Saturday, a match Bulman is relishing against a club where he is still revered, and the midfielder believes victory at Home Park has set the squad up nicely for the run-in.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Bulman said: “Mentally being up there is important. You do not want to be having a game in hand and needing to win it to get in there. We are in it now by our own merit. That game in hand now is an added bonus. There is no pressure on us, even though we will try and win that game anyway.
“We were comfortable containing them (Plymouth) and maybe playing on the break a little. It was disappointing to concede, but we could have crumbled in front of a big crowd. We could have given another goal away and almost chucked our season away, but we dug in and got the three points.
“Hopefully we can get another three points in the next game (against Crawley) and keep moving on. I know there is a bit of rivalry between the two sets of fans, but I don’t know why! It should be fun.”
Bulman was full of praise for his midfield partner Jake Reeves, who set-up the first goal for Lyle Taylor with a wonderful piece of skill.
“Jake is full of energy and he’s fantastic on the ball,” Bulman added. “When he drives at defences and Lyle makes those runs you are going to get more chances. Lyle has carried on his goalscoring form and Jake gets better and better. I’m pleased for both of them. Bayo deserved his goal because he’s been waiting around for his chance. He did what he is good at by using his strength and then placed his header perfectly over the goalkeeper. I was really happy for him.”