Glyn Hodges was pleased with the response shown by his squad tonight after Wimbledon produced an impressive second-half display against Arsenal Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Scoring three without reply lifted Wimbledon after the disappointment of a home league loss at the hands of Bristol Rovers.
“It’s nice to respond after the defeat," said Glyn. "To score three goals at home is always good and the games are coming thick and fast. We are looking forward to Charlton.
“We have to be bright and intelligent on the recovery for the boys and how we get the work into them, but it’s a great result and we will enjoy our day off tomorrow.
“I really do enjoy this competition, I was speaking to the Arsenal officials in there and it’s an eye opener for the young boys. My message to our boys beforehand was ‘to show them what a League One side is all about’. To show that physicality and how we do things. I thought we did that today.
“They provided good opposition, they had a good chance in the first-half when Nik Tzanev pulled off a great save, and it was just about us making sure we did what we needed to do. I thought we were in control, but there was a chance we may concede because we’ve been giving sloppy goals away. To keep a clean sheet and score three goals is very pleasing.”
Ryan Longman’s second-half introduction helped turn the match Wimbledon’s way, but our manager was also delighted with the impact made by players that needed minutes after spells out of the side.
“Ryan came on and I think with his first touch he hit the back of the net, and it was nice for him to set-up Paul Osew, who hasn’t had enough minutes. He came in and made his mark as well, so it was a pleasing result. It was a game the boys enjoyed as they grew in confidence.
“We’ve got a competitive squad and it’s hard to fit them all in, but Adam Roscrow played tonight as well. Adam and Ollie worked hard up front, they started to wilt a bit and that’s why we thought we would freshen it up. Ollie was never going to do 90 minutes. The key is making sure they come through unscathed and to build up their fitness levels, particularly Ollie and Adam.
"These players are glad we got into the next round because it will mean they get more minutes. They have to force themselves into the reckoning and tonight they did themselves a lot of good.”
Pic credit: Matt Redman, Pro Sports Images.