Experienced defender on his dramatic winner
Paul Robinson said it was an “unbelievable” feeling to reward the backing of Wimbledon supporters with a vital goal yesterday – and he believes it’s important that the squad are still in control of their own destiny.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, the 34-year-old defender said he’s relishing another tilt at promotion after achieving the feat at Millwall six years ago.
“We have five games left and it’s about getting a decent points tally from them,” Robinson said. “It’s in our hands and we have to make sure we take care of our business so that we don’t have to rely on anyone else. It’s everything at this time of year to have our season still in front of us, rather than just seeing the season out. The aim is to get into the play-offs and then take that next step to get promoted. We’ve worked incredibly hard all season and to still have a chance is a big tribute to the lads. It’s Dagenham next and we will keep moving forward.
“It was unbelievable when the goal went in – the place just erupted! It had been a tight scrap and we were just looking for that one moment. ‘Baz’ put in a great cross for me to finish off. It keeps that momentum going. Crawley came here looking to be solid after conceding a few last week and it was always going to be tough. It was up to us to break them down and the lads all did their jobs. We stuck at it.
“When the chance came my way I’m grateful that I took it. Sometimes when the forwards are finding it tough and it is not quite happening for us, the team has to share the goals around. We ask them to help out defensively and it’s important for us to take the pressure off them offensively too. To score such an important goal carries on this run.”
With the Dons earning three points without Tom Elliott and Jake Reeves due to illness and injury, Robinson added that says a lot about the strength of Neal Ardley’s squad.
“They are two big players who did well for us in recent weeks,” added Robinson. “But the players who came in today showed what they were about. Bayo deserved to start after his goal last week and he did well for us. It was a tough afternoon and he gave us a platform to play. Then Ade came on and tried to run them ragged. Connor Smith also got his chance today and he did well in midfield. It says a lot about the squad that the manager has assembled here and it’s a good sign for the run-in.”
The full interview with Paul Robinson is now on Dons Player. Interviews with Connor Smith and Neal Ardley are also on Dons Player and extended highlights will feature from 12 noon today.