Johnnie Jackson was defiant in the face of defeat as he provided his thoughts on what was another day of frustration for Wimbledon.
Callum Guy’s first-half goal had given Carlisle United the lead at Brunton Park, only for the Dons to draw level through Ayoub Assal’s well taken effort.
This signalled a bright period for our side, but any hope of getting something from the game was quickly eradicated as Kristian Dennis headed home a winner, leaving our manager understandably disappointed.
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“We went in one down and it changed the complexion of the game. We then had that good period after we scored and we looked like we were in ascendancy, but we knew that they would come back at us and in that moment we weren’t strong enough.
“Both of the goals that we conceded came directly from something that we speak about a lot – don’t let players cut inside and shoot or get crosses off. We allowed that to happen and it’s cost us. At the moment those small moments are costing us.
“I wanted to try and get back to what we do well. There were periods where we did do it and we played through the lines. We could’ve been more incisive, but at the end of the day it’s not come down to shapes, tactics or anything like that, it’s come down to the penalty boxes and not dealing with the situations that are presented.”
Assal’s first goal of the season was the obvious high point of the 90 minutes, and Johnnie was pleased to see the forward get off the mark.
“We’ve been asking for goals from him. We know he’s got that threat. We know that he can play on the topline, off the shoulder and get behind teams. He finished it well.”
As for where we go from here, the gaffer feels that this is a period that we can ride out – however it is something that will a group effort if we are to get back to the best version of ourselves.
“People need to stand up, take a look in the mirror and ask themselves if they’re bringing the best of them. Are they implementing the stuff that we’re asking? It’s a good group of lads, they do work hard but in the moments that matter we’re finding ourselves a bit short,” he reflected. “There’s no easy solution, you have to work through these tough periods and I firmly believe that we will.
“We need to question ourselves over whether we’re doing enough and over the course of the last few games, too many of them aren’t.”
PICS: Simon Davies (Pro Sports Images)