Johnnie Jackson felt the conditions affected the quality of our third pre-season workout, as we remained unbeaten and yet to concede.
“I wanted to see a bit more quality from us, but conditions made that difficult and there’s certainly more to come from us,” said Johnnie after the goalless draw at Woking.
“It was a tough game against tough opposition. It was a step up in quality from midweek, with it being a National League side who finished right up there last season. I knew it would be difficult and a good test for us and it was."
“It was hard fought, but there was not a lot of quality on show as I think it was difficult with the wind. We didn’t see the amount of quality from our side that perhaps we saw during the week and against Reading – just flashes of it.
“It probably replicated the kind of test we’re going to find away in League Two, but we are starting to see those partnerships grow all over the pitch.”
New goalkeeper Alex Bass made his first appearance in Wimbledon colours since his arrival on a season-long loan from Sunderland. He saved the blushes of Ethan Sutcliffe late on, preventing the hosts from winning it through an own goal.
“It was a great reaction save from him to be honest,” said Johnnie. “I think the wind caused Ethan a bit of an issue with the cross coming in. He got a glancing header on it and Alex had to make a real reaction save to keep the scores level. He can be pleased with his day’s work. There were glimpses of his quality."
The starting line-up were given three quarters of the game, but Johnnie was again impressed by Academy graduate Paris Lock as he stood out in the closing stages having scored in the win over Met Police.
“I think he’s been excellent since he joined the group,” added Johnnie. “He’s been with us for all of pre-season and he looks a bright prospect. What I like is that he's really positive when in possession and when he gets the ball in wide areas he wants to get at the opposition and beat them.
“That’s what I want from our players when they are up in the final third. I want them to have that license and he fits into that category."
Defenders Lee Brown, Will Nightingale and midfielder Alex Woodyard all missed the action with knocks, but generally the manager is pleased with where we’re at with three more warm-up matches to come.
“We’re building-up the fitness,” said Johnnie. “That’s two wins and a draw and we haven’t conceded. There will be more tests to come, and we know that. We’re getting closer now.
"We’ll have a good week on the training pitch next week, followed by QPR and then Portsmouth, so we’re looking forward to getting back in on Monday and getting back down to work.”
Photos: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).