Glyn Hodges was full of praise for every single member of the squad after Wimbledon’s winning return at Rochdale today.
After 18 days without a game, the Dons produced an away display full of spirit and determination to secure all three points, thanks to Ethan Chislett’s last-gasp winner.
“The key to victory was staying in the game, and that’s what we’ve done all season,” said Glyn. “We give ourselves opportunities in every game we play. We started off well, but we tailed off a bit in the first-half. In the second-half we got stronger and stronger. I was pleased with our endeavour. Sometimes you can sense when you are in the ascendancy and full credit to the boys for scoring so late after being off for two weeks. It’s a credit to the boys and the fitness they showed.
“The boys who played were brilliant, the boys that came on turned the game and they were fantastic, plus the lads that travelled and didn’t play. It’s a great group, they are a good bunch of boys, and there’s plenty of game-time for them ahead.
“Terell had a bit of a calf issue, so there was a problem there, and we thought we would freshen it up a bit. We’ve got good athleticism in the squad and the subs that we put on keep the same levels as the players that start, so it’s all good.
“The boys are resilient and they don’t give up. Though we want better quality, we stay in games and we are dogged. I felt in the second-half we played a lot of good football, so there were a lot of positives, but the biggest thing was that it was the start of three tough games on the road and after two weeks off I couldn’t have asked for anymore. The boys were brilliant.”
Glyn believes that match-winner Ethan Chislett is capable of striking double figures this season and our manager was delighted that it brought a bit of joy to Dons supporters watching on iFollow.
“He’s a good footballer who scores and makes goals,” added Glyn. “When he starts the game or you are putting him on you know that things can happen. He’s probably been a little frustrated because he thinks he should have had more goals. It would be no surprise if he goes and gets a lot more. Double figures is not out of the question and that’s the faith we have got in him.
“It’s been a good hunting ground for us and we have come and done well here again. The fans that travelled for the 4-3 game will remember that as well. The fans can see how we felt after today’s win and they will have been ecstatic at home. We can’t share that, but hopefully fans will be back soon as that’s the missing piece in the jigsaw.”