Johnnie Jackson felt our 1-1 draw at Forest Green Rovers can be seen as a point gained as the Dons stayed in the play-off places.
Our first Sky Bet League Two game of 2024 was a scrappy affair, not helped by soaking wet conditions as the two sides battled to gain control of the contest following two early goals from FGR’s Matty Stevens and Wimbledon’s Ali Al-Hamadi.
Both teams had opportunities to take all three points, but many would argue a draw was a fair result given that neither side was at their best.
Here Johnnie discusses the performance as a whole, managing the festive period, the impact of the Asian Cup on our transfer plans and our supporters’ backing.
ON THE PERFORMANCE…
All things considered, it’s a decent point. It was very tough conditions out there today. The pitch was really soft, really wet, it made it difficult for us to play our fluent stuff. It stopped us playing as well as we did three days ago against Colchester - that would’ve been a tough ask.
We dug in, the boys gave absolutely everything in really testing conditions. We probably could’ve won it, we hit the post at the end of the first-half. We had probably the better chances throughout the game. They had a chance at the end. I don’t think either team really dominated. We were in the ascendency without creating loads.
ON OUR FESTIVE POINTS RETURN…
We wanted more but you look at the festive period as a whole, we got seven from four games, which isn’t terrible. It could’ve been more but what we’ve done is pick up points regularly and stayed in those play-off positions.
It’s been a really tough ask, it’s physically demanding and the lads have given me everything during the period, so I can’t ask for anymore from them. The way they’re running, fighting and tackling for the badge is brilliant.
ON ALI’S GOAL…
The way we responded to falling behind was great. We did what we are good at and we’re well in control of that first-half after we got the goal. Perhaps it would’ve been a different story had Ali’s effort which hit the post gone in – we would’ve gone in at half-time leading.
Conditions got worse as the game went on. You look at the pitch after the match and it probably wouldn’t be playable.
ON THE ASIAN CUP AND POTENTIAL TRANSFER BUSINESS…
We know it’s going to leave us light in that area of the pitch. It’s something we’re going to look into. We have options in house – Josh Davison has been playing really well, Josh Neufville came on in that position and young Aron Sasu, who’s not had so much game time, is someone that we’re really excited about.
The boys will have to step up. If there’s opportunities to get help from elsewhere, we will look at that. I always say that it would have to be the right fit for us. Losing those two (Ali and Omar Bugiel) will be a bit of a blow but if something is of interest, we will look at it.
ON OUR FANS…
I have to mention our supporters. They weren’t under cover on the far side, they got soaked all day, travelling again in their numbers. It was horrendous conditions, so I just want to give a word to them – thanks for getting behind us, I’m glad we sent you home with a point. I wanted three, but at least we have something to show for our efforts.
PICS: Clive Howes (Pro Sports Images)