Neal says squad must stick together during tough spell
Neal Ardley has called on his squad to recapture the spirit that has served Wimbledon so well over the years with in-form Millwall up next (1.00 pm kick-off).
The Dons will be aiming to start the year on a high back at the Cherry Red Records Stadium after a successful 2016 ended in disappointment at Bristol Rovers.
, despite two successive defeats.thFive points separate the two teams with Millwall in ninth spot and Wimbledon still well placed in 11
A welcome boost for the Dons is that Lyle Taylor is available for selection again after serving a one-match suspension.
QUOTES
Neal Ardley:
“It does not get any easier. Next we have Millwall, who are in a run of good form, and then we have Oxford and Rochdale to come to our place. You can’t start playing like individuals when the going gets tough. That’s the message I’ve given the players. When the going gets tough we have to come together. We have to get ready for another hard game against a team who are physical and play at a good intensity. We have to stand up to that.
“We have to get back to the old Wimbledon way and the Wimbledon spirit, something we’ve lacked in the last few weeks. We are trying our hardest to get that spark back into the group, but when you lose a couple of games the confidence dips a little.”
Neil Harris:
“No disrespect to the teams we’ve played, but Wimbledon will be the hardest test of this last few weeks. It will be a real tough one.
“We have to make sure we approach the game in exactly the same manner that we approached the derbies against Charlton and Gillingham.
"The question is can we go again on Monday? It will be every bit as combative as this (win versus Gillingham), so the importance of having a competitive and healthy squad will come to the fore."
TEAM NEWS
Lyle Taylor is back in contention to face his old club after serving a one-match suspension in the defeat at Bristol Rovers. For Millwall, winger Gregg Wylde has joined Northampton Town on loan.
LAST MEETING
Millwall 0 AFC Wimbledon 0 (22 November 2016)
(Last 6 in all competitions, starting with most recent)FORM GUIDE
AFC Wimbledon LLWLLW
Millwall WWWLLL
LAST TIME OUT
Bristol Rovers 2 AFC Wimbledon 0
Millwall 2 Gillingham 1
MATCH COMMENTARY
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