Dons manager on crucial win at Adams Park
Neal Ardley saluted AFC Wimbledon’s overall team display after a vital victory at Wycombe Wanderers boosted hopes of a place in the end of season play-offs.
Wimbledon recaptured the impressive away form from earlier this season to close in on seventh place Wycombe and Neal was delighted with the performance.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neal said: “We were by far the better team. If you look at the chances, they had a few goalmouth scrambles, but we had four or five gilt-edged chances. Rhys Murphy could have had two, ‘Robbo’ hit the crossbar, and then there was Ade near the end. We had loads of chances and I thought we were excellent.
“We had a game plan. I thought if we came here using wide players on a narrow pitch with the way they play we might have struggled to get a foothold. Their two centre-backs like to get tight to the centre forwards, they are strong and quick. We decided to play with three up front and cause them a problem and I thought we did that.
“Tom Elliott played a massive part in the first goal, Rhys produced a great turn to win the penalty, and Lyle took his goals well. The midfield were tireless. They knew it was going to be a second-ball game and not an enjoyable match to play in because Wycombe are relentless. At the back we were brilliant. It needs all of those things against Wycombe and that’s why they are in that position in the table. If you don’t get those things right you are not going to get anything from the game.”
A total of 838 Dons supporters cheered on Wimbledon to victory at Adams Park and Neal was full of praise for the backing they provided on the day.
“The fans were phenomenal and they always are here,” Neal added. “It was a little bit like the cup game here last season. Wycombe play with such high intensity, in your faces, and winning free-kicks, so the noise pushes you on and gives the players that extra 10 per cent. If they can keep that going for Plymouth next week, create that again, and keep it going into the last seven games, then we can really do something.”
The full update from Neal Ardley will be on Dons Player later tonight, and tomorrow we will feature interviews with Lyle Taylor, Tom Elliott and extended highlights.