Connor Evans scored as the Dons drew 1-1 at Stevenage in a behind-closed-doors friendly today, with several first-team players getting vital minutes.
The most notable positive from a Wimbledon perspective was the return of Paul Kalambayi, with the centre-back coming through his first 45 minutes since undergoing knee surgery.
There was also another defensive boost for the Dons as Huseyin Biler got a runout as he steps up his return after injury. Meanwhile, Evans was on target as he linked up well with Morgan Williams to score our only goal of the game against a strong Stevenage side.
Nik Tzanev, Aron Sasu, Ryan McLean, Ethan Sutliffe, Paris Lock and Kai Jennings also featured, as part of a youthful squad.
Johnnie Jackson was pleased by what he saw from our side, commenting: “It was really beneficial from our point of view. We got 45 minutes into Hus Biler and Paul Kalambayi, they both came through it fine. Other lads also needed extra minutes.
“Aron Sasu got 80 under his belt, as did Ryan McLean, whilst we also got a good look at Tans and Ethan Sutcliffe. Connor Evans has been stop-start since coming in because he couldn’t play in the EFL Trophy or against Stockport County. It was good for him to get 80 in the bag as well, alongside Morgan Williams. Those two combined well for the goal.
“Stevenage put a really strong team out. They had eight senior players involved, which gave us a good test. On the balance of play we probably could’ve won it in the end. We got everything we wanted out of the game.”
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Mathias Tepe, Paul Kalambayi, Ethan Sutcliffe, Huseyin Biler, Kai Jennings, Morgan Williams, Paris Lock, Ryan McLean, Connor Evans, Aron Sasu.
Subs: Max Foulkes, Oliver Downs, Leo Young, Jake Lawrence, Ed Leach, Marcel Campbell, Tom Wilson.
PIC: Pro Sports Images