The delight was there for all to see at full-time as our side emerged victorious against Crawley Town this afternoon.
Well taken first-half goals from Nathan Young-Coombes and Ethan Chislett essentially killed the game off in the first 45 minutes before Tony Craig’s red card piled on the misery for the hosts.
In the end the Dons played keep-ball and essentially tired out their opponents – which was a form of game management that pleased the gaffer.
“It was our most complete performance to date. We were excellent,” he said. “Our shape was fantastic – it allowed us to get a foothold in the game and create some really attacking moments. I would have liked a few more goals but we saw it out really professionally.
“The red card helped but it came about from our good play. The message at half-time was that we need to be professional. We had to be smart with how we managed the game and I felt the lads did that. There were opportunities where we could have gone for the kill but the lads recognised that the best way to win was to pass them to death.”
Once again our in-form front two of Young-Coombes and Josh Davison were at the forefront of the victory, with the latter coming up with the assist for the former on this occasion.
They once again showcased a blossoming partnership and Johnnie was understandably pleased with what he saw.
“They’re both doing great. They complement each other well. It seems like when one of them scores it’s the other one who lays it on for him. They’re developing a really good understanding, they enjoy playing with each other and they give us great energy.”
Chislett’s free-kick added to his rocket of a strike against Gillingham on the opening day of the season and our manager feels the set pieces duties are the midfielder’s to lose.
“They’re his to lose now! I’m really pleased for Chis,” said Johnnie. “He was very good. The work he does in and out of possession for the team is tireless. We know he’s got that quality. He practices on the training ground. He’s got that capability and he’s got that technique – we need more of those from him.”
The final word was saved for the 1,352 Wimbledon fans who made the trip to the Broadfield Stadium as they roared our side onto another three points.
“They were brilliant. It was like a home game! I told the lads after the game that those moments with supporters are why we do what we do. I’m so pleased for them. It was a priceless moment.”
PICS: Stephen Flynn (Pro Sports Images)