Glyn Hodges was full of praise for the team performance produced by his players to defeat League One promotion contenders Peterborough United.
A 2-1 victory – Wimbledon’s first win back at Plough Lane – came just three days after being eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup by League Two side Crawley.
Glyn said: “In the last two defeats, at Gillingham and here at Crawley, the goals we conceded were too soft. We made errors that we hadn’t been making, so I think it’s important that we don’t make those mistakes. Everybody worked their socks off, they were tremendous, and we got the points we deserved.
“Peterborough are a good footballing team, and they have lots of ways that they can play. They do put you under pressure, but I felt that the back three were outstanding. We got on the ball a bit more in the second-half, and we deserved our two goals.
“We had two previous opportunities to win: the late equaliser against Doncaster when I thought we had got it done, but then the performance in the FA Cup probably didn’t deserve the win. To win against Peterborough, who are one of the best sides in the division, is a testament to how well the players performed. I thought the boys were terrific.
“I wouldn’t have thought the fans were too happy on Sunday, but they will have been cheered up by that, and we are happy. It’s a great start to get that first win, and hopefully there are loads more. I can’t ask for anymore from the boys, they are doing brilliantly, and they deserved the three points.”
Our manager saluted the impact of goalscorers Ryan Longman and Joe Pigott, but he also had high praise for Anthony Hartigan, who has played every minute of Wimbledon’s five matches in 11 days.
“It’s a great partnership that they have, and I am pleased,” added Glyn. “They are a good foil for each other, and they have been causing problems for defenders. Rudi did well too in getting that shot away for Ryan’s goal.
“What a fit lad Anthony is! I think he runs home after these matches! He can run and run. The energy levels he has shown have been superb. He’s the one who has played all of the minutes in all of the last five games. It’s great testament to his mental toughness, not just his physical attributes.”