Johnnie Jackson was satisfied with a clean sheet and a point on a day when Wimbledon almost came away with a win away at Grimsby Town.
In a 0-0 draw of few clear-cut chances it was the Dons who had the best opportunity across the 90 minutes, with Ali Al-Hamadi seeing his penalty saved well by Simon Eastwood.
Up the other end Sunderland loanee Alex Bass had to be in fine form to keep out a cluster of long range efforts – preserving our clean sheet on the opening day of the League Two season.
Here our manager discusses the game, the impact of several players and the absence of Lee Brown and Jack Currie.
Watch the full interview.
ON THE DRAW…
It was a really good game that was closely fought. We knew it was a tough place to come after the last time we came here. We saw our progression but also how Grimsby have improved as well. We come away with a clean sheet and nearly came away with the win in the end. We have to be pleased.
ON ALI AL-HAMADI…
He was excellent when he came on. He’s a little bit behind after pre-season so we wanted to time it and bring him on at the right moment. I felt we got it right because the impact he had was instantaneous. He won the penalty through all his own work.
Listen forward’s miss penalties don’t they? If you’re a penalty taker you’re going to miss a few. We win, lose and draw together. I said to him at the end that he’s going to score a lot more penalties and a lot more goals because of the way we’re set up as a team. We’re playing to his strengths.
ON ALEX BASS…
He had to be on it. There was periods when Grimsby built up pressure and had corners. They had a few shots from range that he dealt with well. They didn’t really break through us and we limited them to that. We needed him in those moments. They were important saves.
ON ARMANI LITTLE AND JAKE REEVES…
Armani and Reevesy looked excellent, they were really solid. They give us a calmness in the centre and pull people around which maintains a solid shape. Armani missed a lot of pre-season, so for him to get through 90 minutes – and look as strong and powerful as he did – is great. I thought he may tire towards the end but he was still full of running. I’m delighted with them both.
ON THE ABSENCE OF LEE BROWN AND JACK CURRIE…
Jack picked up a niggle in the Wealdstone game. He managed to finish the game but he was feeling sore on Monday. Unfortunately he missed out today because he wasn’t able to train this week. Browny has had problems with his back, but we’re hopeful that it’s sorted and that he will train this week.
ON RYAN JOHNSON…
I chatted with Johnno a few days ago. He has played left-back before in his career but he’s not tried and tested. I asked him to do a job for the team and he said absolutely no problem gaffer. He has a fantastic attitude.
MATCH PICS: Simon Davies (Pro Sports Images)