Preview of game number four between two clubs
Neal Ardley has warned his players to be ready for a much tougher challenge against Bury tomorrow.
The Shakers make a quick return to the Cherry Red Records Stadium tomorrow with Chris Brass and Ryan Kidd taking on first-team managerial duties after the departure of David Flitcroft.
In his pre-match bulletin ahead of the game, Neal gave his thoughts on facing Bury once again and on the packed schedule of games coming up.
QUOTES
Neal Ardley:
“We got in behind them a bit on Tuesday, but are they going to play that high up with the pace we’ve got in the team? I don’t know. We may have to come up with a different way. They may pack the midfield, but we don’t know. We have to be ready for them to come here and put in a performance that is not open after conceding 9 goals in 2 games. We fully expect them to try and keep a clean sheet.
“It was a great score line (on Tuesday) and it sends a good message out. There is a feel-good factor around the place for it. From my point of view, we were clinical, we scored some really good goals, and our energy levels were good, but I am sure there have been better performances in tougher circumstances (during Neal’s four years in charge).
“We’ve got quite a few carrying knocks and injuries so that makes it tougher. We tried to block periodise a 10-game spell from a few weeks back until the MK game on 10 December. We set some targets. Could we still be in cup competitions by that date or have a certain amount of points on the board? We are just going to get through to that point and we will reassess everything then. We will look at where we want to go and then block the Christmas period out to see how we tackle that.”
Chris Robertson:
“It could be a fresh start for them (after manager David Flitcroft’s departure) and they will see it as a disappointing result the other night. We know it’s going to be a totally different game and we need to be ready for it. It’s not going to be easy and we want to work together to get a result.
“We have so many players competing for places and that’s what you want in a squad. To do well and to keep moving forward, you want all those younger players champing at the bit. It keeps you on your toes.”
TEAM NEWS
For Wimbledon, Tom Elliott is back in contention after illness, but Andy Barcham (hamstring) is ruled out. Jon Meades (ankle) is due be assessed ahead of the game, but it’s too soon for Darius Charles and Sean Kelly (both thigh injuries) to return.
Tom Walker is doubtful for Bury after the unfortunate incident in Tuesday’s game when he collided with the advertising hoardings. Bury are still without Kean Bryant (thigh), Ishmael Miller (hamstring), Chris Brown (knee), Nathan Cameron (knee), Kelvin Etuhu (fibula), Tom Pope (punctured lung/ribs) and Craig Jones (thigh).
LAST MEETING
AFC Wimbledon 5 Bury 0 (15 November 2016, FA Cup)
FORM GUIDE (Last 6 in all competitions, starting with most recent)
AFC Wimbledon WDLDLW
Bury LLDDLL
LAST TIME OUT
AFC Wimbledon 5 Bury 0
TICKETS
up until 11.00 am tomorrow morning. Tickets can be collected from the white booth in Jack Goodchild Way. Tickets for the RyGas Stand (just £17 for adults) will be available on the day at the turnstiles.onlineWe still have availability in the RyGas Stand. You can book in advance
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