Ethan Chislett wants to be part of a Dons response as we aim to avenge an early season defeat, when we’re at home again this Saturday.
Mansfield Town visit the Cherry Red Records Stadium at the weekend and Ethan is looking for us to come together, after we were edged out of a five-goal battle with Stevenage last night.
“We’ve got to bounce back,” said Ethan after Ali Al-Hamadi’s brace wasn’t enough to earn us anything from Tuesday evening’s League Two clash.
“Mansfield beat us 5-2 at their place. It’s not ideal, but that one still stings a bit and I think a few of the boys have mentioned it as well, so we need a reaction.
“It’s Plough Lane and we’re not afraid, whoever we play against. We’ve got to be on the front foot and I thought for the majority of the game against Stevenage we were. It was those vital moments that cost us though, so it was a tough one to take.”
The 24-year-old South African has been a regular for us this season and made his 40th appearance of this campaign, but he was quick to acknowledge the impact of our Iraqi newcomer up front.
“Ali is very effective,” said Ethan. “He’s direct, which is beneficial for the team and he’s in rich goal scoring form now – so long may that continue. I think we’re getting the chances, especially him and Josh Davison getting shots away. We’re finally scoring goals now, but we’re also conceding them at the moment.”
Ethan had a chance of his own to get on the scoresheet, which would have taken him to double figures for this season. He’s also encouraged by new additions Armani Little and Kasey McAteer in the middle, at a time when we’re depleted in numbers due to injuries.
“I’ll continue working on it,” said Ethan. “The main thing is that I’m getting chances. I know that I’m going to take them eventually. If Ali keeps scoring them though, then that’s good enough for me.
“Armani is a very good player. I thought Kasey played really well too. He’s full of energy, youth and vibrancy. We need as many bodies as we can get at present. There are a few injuries, which is not ideal at this stage in the season, but there can be no excuses.
“It’s disappointing. We did well in the first half and came in at the break with the lead. The gaffer warned us before though and we knew what they were about. We slipped up at vital times and that’s cost us on this occasion.”
Photos: 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.