Powerful centre-back Paul Kalambayi helped carve out a fresh piece of history for us at the County Ground.
Paul has figured in all the games that set a new record of five successive clean sheets in the league for the Dons, since we returned in 2011. That surpassed two previous runs of four, in January 2018 and March 2019.
The defender committed to a new deal in January of this year, which takes him through to 2024. The 23-year-old is also close to 100 appearances for Wimbledon, having graduated from our Academy in 2016.
Here’s what Paul had to say after Saturday’s goalless draw with Swindon Town, which extended our unbeaten run in League Two to eight games.
Eight unbeaten and now five clean sheets – what’s your reaction?
“It was quite even between the teams. We defended well and there were moments where we had to dig in and we came out on top. I always want to get the three points, but we’ll take a draw. We had chances to win, but they also had a couple of chances, but for me, personally, we defended well and I’m happy with a point.”
As a centre-back, how did you think we performed defensively as a team?
“Our aim was to make sure that they got no crosses in. I thought Jack Currie and Huseyin Biler defended really well, as they got less crosses in, and when they did - me and Ryley Towler dealt with it along with the midfield. I felt that the whole team defensively was on it today.”
It is a tough place to come, did you feel they caused us a few problems?
“Yes, they did. They broke on the counter-attack. Personally, I think that’s the best we’ve defended. We looked solid as a team. When they broke through our press, I thought our recovery runs were really good. The whole team worked hard.”
You’re coming up to a hundred games now, how does that make you feel considering the time you’ve been with us?
“I hadn’t been aware of it! I’m happy to play for the club. I know all the history behind it and what type of club I play for. In that itself, it’s an extra incentive to know why you play for that badge and what it means to you. It’s the club where I made my professional debut, so there are emotions involved and it’s more than the game for me.”
How much are you enjoying playing alongside Ryley Towler in that backline?
“I really am. We’ve got five clean sheets now, so we’ve got a good relationship going on between us. I feel that’s important. We know each other’s game and we’re there for each other. With Nik Tzanev in goal, we have that solid base to build upon going forward. I think there’s more clean sheets to come.”
There were 529 Dons fans here, what did you make of the turn out – especially when perhaps people had other things on their minds?
“That’s a great turn out, what with the England game being on in the evening. I stood there clapping them for about a minute, because of the effort and the noise they made. We could hear them, particularly when we were going through those tough moments. At one stage they were louder than the home fans, so I’d just like to say a massive thank you to them and we do appreciate it.”
Photos: Pro Sports Images.