Ethan Chislett wasted no time making an impact in front of goal on Saturday – and he was also quick to set a target for the season!
The attacking midfielder marked his Dons league debut with a goal after just 20 seconds, offering a really positive sign that he can take the step-up from non league in his stride after joining us from Aldershot Town.
Ethan showed his goalscoring ability last season at National League level, before the campaign was cut short prematurely, and he said: “I got nine goals last season, which I was quite annoyed with because I wanted 10! Ten sounds better than nine, so hopefully I can get one more this season. I am trying to score as many goals as possible and assist the team in any way I can.
“I couldn’t have dreamed it any better. I tried to visualise scoring goals and assisting play, so luckily it came off. Nesta also scored, so massive credit to him. We got a few messages from people at our former club Met Police, which is lovely that they are still taking an interest in what we are doing. It’s brilliant.
“From Met Police, I took a big step by going up two leagues to Aldershot. I thought I adapted quite well and the transition was quite smooth. Hopefully, this transition is going to go just as smoothly. I believe there’s a lot of talent in non league. I think the players just need to be fine-tuned to how a team wants to play, so that you can make the most of their attributes.
“Hopefully, I can get a few more goals, I guess it’s just the start. I like to arrive late in the box. I’ve watched a lot of runs that midfielders do, for example what Frank Lampard used to do. I try to replicate what I’ve seen from him. There were a few massive centre-halves coming towards me and I knew that if I hit it hard and low there was a chance it would go in because the keeper couldn’t really see anything. That’s what I did and luckily it went in.”
Ethan believes the attacking display from Saturday is something the team can build on, but he added that Wimbledon’s new-look side has to learn to deal with teams playing a direct style of football.
“With the third man running in attack, the gaffer always says that he wants to incorporate that into the game. Obviously, the more players you get into the box will increase your chances of scoring. The second goal came from having width with Nesta. That’s a massive strength for us and hopefully we kick on from that and score a few more.
“I wouldn’t say it was complacency, we were playing against a different team today – it was very much long ball. We have got to deal with that, it’s a young squad so I think we will react and grow. We will become more proactive on the pitch.”
You can watch the full interview with Ethan by clicking on the link below.