Striker Joe Pigott may not have been with AFC Wimbledon very long, but he’s quickly adjusting to the demands made of him and life back in the Football League.
“I’m growing into it. It takes time, but it’s been six or so weeks now. It will take time, but I’ll get there,” said Joe, who came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Oxford United.
Having started as a promising youngster with Charlton Athletic, Joe returned to league football after a successful spell with local side Maidstone United in the National League. His form in front of goal made him a wanted man and he signed for Neal Ardley in the January transfer window.
“If I’m playing I’ll always believe that I’ll score goals. I’ve just got to take my opportunities when they come. More importantly it’s about the team and getting those wins we need,” said Joe.
“I don’t think I’ve really had to adapt my game, I’ve just had to learn new things. Just basics really that have been drilled into me quite a lot. I’m just trying to get used to the training again too, as I haven’t been used to that for a year or so. Sometimes it takes a while.”
Joe has been quick to impress for the Dons, both in front of goal and with supporters. The tall front man was quick off the mark after signing, with his first goal in the win against Blackpool, followed up with the match-winner against Bristol Rovers last month.
His arrival has given the forward line a boost heading into a key period of the season, as the Dons bid to maintain League One status continues at Rochdale this Saturday.
“We need to show more of what we did against Oxford and maybe a little bit more composure. I think we’ll be fine, but we’ve still got lots of work to do.
“The atmosphere was brilliant after we scored. There was obviously going to be a bit of tension, when there’s fifteen to twenty minutes left or so in the game, but I thought we handled it really well. I don’t think we gave Oxford a sniff after we scored and we were pretty comfortable in the end.
“You’ve got to chip in with goals from everywhere. We scored from a set-piece, which Jon Meades took really well, but everyone needs to chip in.
“The spirit within the group is great, but there’s still work to be done. We’re still looking forward and it was another win ticked off.”