Will Nightingale maintained a family tradition last night after his eye-catching performance helped us earn victory over Walsall.
Wimbledon’s long-serving warrior took a knock at the weekend and was sporting a shiner, but caught the eye with the first goal in our win as he collected the sponsor’s man of the match award afterwards.
“The shiner came against Barrow on Saturday and up until Monday I couldn’t open my eye,” said Will. “For the last couple of days I had ice on it non-stop, I tried stretching it open myself. My family and my partner have been brilliant helping me out with little things.
“People know how passionate my Mum and Dad are and how much they love the Club, so I gave the Champagne to my Mum. I’ve always done that since I got one on my debut when I was a young kid and I’ve kept up that tradition.”
Will praised the impact made by Ali Al-Hamadi, who returned from international duty with Iraq and got the second goal, putting the seal on our second league win this year.
“Everyone knows Ali’s quality, that’s seven goals now and we’ve just got to play to his strengths,” added Will. “His pace is just frightening really. Make no bones about it, centre-halves know he is quick, but no-one is going to want to play against him.
“Saikou Janneh, who Ali replaced, has been brilliant, considering how patient he has had to be. That’s what you’ve got to be in those situations, when you’re a professional. You can’t sulk, you have to prove a point.
On the much-needed victory last night, Will said: “It feels incredible. All you want to do as a footballer is win games of football. You want to give the fans something back and make the manager proud - that’s what it’s all about really.
“We’ve all said that has to be our standard now. We’re all enjoying it, but we have to go again now at home to Rochdale on Saturday.
“Walsall had some big-sized athletes, but I think when you want to show heart and passion that’s what matters more to be honest. I thought everyone was incredible. You can’t fault anyone and the team gave everything. Credit to Nathan Broome in goal, that’s what you want is to keep clean sheets.
“It’s hard when you get on a bad run, but hopefully that will do us the world of good now, lift us, and boost our confidence.”
Photos: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full interview with Will Nightingale below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.