Mark Bowen has called on his players to show full commitment and focus towards the task in hand as the Dons prepare for Monday’s vital clash versus Wycombe.
AFC Wimbledon will be looking to bounce back from what was a damaging 3-1 defeat away to Crewe Alexandra - that result leaving no further room for error in the battle to stay in League One for another season.
Whilst the gaffer acknowledged that Friday’s result was very disappointing, he was also keen to emphasise that we have no time to dwell on it as we seek to pick up what would be a hugely welcome three points.
“After the huge disappointment of the result on Friday it really is hugely important that we bounce back, performance wise," said Mark. "We literally have no time to dwell on it.
"Some very heated words were said in the dressing room following the Crewe game and the players really have to take on the responsibility. They have got to embrace the challenge that lies ahead over the coming weeks.
"We have to make sure that we have 100 per cent focus and commitment on the task of taking on Wycombe Wanderers on Monday. There is no point soft talking the issue, we literally have to give everything to make sure we come out of Monday’s game with a positive result.”
As for how the team is shaping up for this game against a Wycombe side chasing a spot in the play-offs, Wimbledon will be boosted by the fact that we have no fresh injury or fitness concerns.
“We have a few stiff and sore legs but there are no added injuries that are likely to keep anyone out of the game against Wycombe,” Mark explained. “Paul Osew did have a sore knee after falling awkwardly in training and George Marsh had a bit of a twist on the hard pitches during training, but again, both seem to have come through okay.”
Mark added that there will be a change for his squad in terms of final preparations, ahead of our penultimate home game of the season.
"We will try a slightly different approach and train on the pitch on Sunday in preparation for Monday’s game. Sometimes I’ve found in the past, this can help give the players a little more familiarity with the surroundings leading into particular games and if it can add to our performance then we will try it.
“There will again be a full house at Plough Lane for the game and we have got to use that atmosphere and feed off our great support to create the momentum we need. The players know that although this is a 'team' game, if as individuals, they all do their own jobs well and take on that individual responsibility, then the ‘team’ will look after itself."