Ethan Chislett went close to reducing the deficit against Championship side Reading last night, and he was also encouraged by what he saw from new midfield colleague Paris Maghoma.
Maghoma (pictured) joined us on a season-long loan from Brentford on Monday and was thrust straight into the starting line-up for our penultimate pre-season friendly. From just a glimpse, Ethan thought he gave a good account on debut in the 2-0 defeat at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
“He’s very composed on the ball,” said Ethan. “He was dictating play and I think he’s one of those players who likes having players around him and finds a pass well. He breaks lines. We’ll see a lot more of him this season, I’m sure."
Ethan, about to enter his third season with the Dons, had a good opportunity to get on the scoresheet towards the end of a competitive workout for Wimbledon.
“Their keeper saved it with his fingertips,” said Ethan. “Jack Currie did really well, gave the ball to me, made the overlap so I could cut inside. I think I should have put it more towards the corner, but it was a good save.
“We put out two separate sides. Before the game the gaffer said that he wanted graft and hard work, especially as a reaction to Saturday’s performance, and I think we did that. They’re a very good side.
“Lee Brown and Alex Woodyard are two experienced players who are still out. Hopefully they’ll be returning soon. It’s shaping up well and we’re full of confidence, despite the results in pre-season. We’re getting the essentials that we need out of these games; the fitness levels are massive going into the first game of the season. It’s a long season and we can still implement and build on things.”
Even though Ethan spent the early part of his childhood in the warmer climate of South Africa, he still found the humid conditions challenging last night.
“It wasn’t great!” said Ethan. “To be fair it died off in the second half. I don’t know how they coped in the first half. It was difficult, but I thought we did well, and it was a good run out.”
Pic credit: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full post-match interview with Ethan Chislett below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.