Johnnie Jackson was overcome with emotion in the wake of seeing our AFC Wimbledon side triumph at the death to win 1-0 over Milton Keynes Dons.
It appeared that the match – largely dominated by our side – was heading for a 0-0 draw before substitute Ronan Curtis popped up with a late winner that will be talked about for years by those in yellow and blue.
The victory breathes new life into our push for a play-off place in Sky Bet League Two on a day when Wimbledon’s football club did itself proud on and off the pitch.
Speaking shortly after full-time, Johnnie put into words just how much the win meant and offered an insight into the build-up to today’s game.
ON THE PERFORMANCE…
I can’t put it into words. It’s the highs and lows of football. Today is a reminder of why we love it, why we do it. Personally, that’s the best feeling I’ve had in the game. It’s not about me today, it’s about Wimbledon. This football club has waited a long time for that moment. We were magnificent.
The performance was outstanding on the pitch, in the stands. Behind the scenes, how hard everyone has worked knowing we had a big game, to win it like that, you couldn’t write it or make it up.
We’ve got Trevor Williams and Robin Bedford who have been here since the start, they are a part of what we do. Today is for our supporters.
ON RONAN CURTIS…
He was desperate to start and he probably had the hump with me that he didn’t. We timed it well with him. I felt it was a game for impact from him. We know the quality he’s got. When a chance like that pops up, there’s no one you’d rather have on it. I’m buzzing for him and all the players. They were outstanding and they left it all out there. That’s the lads on the pitch, the lads on the bench, and the lads in the stands who weren’t involved.
ON A SHIFT IN TACTICS…
I felt like we needed to shake things up a bit. We had a clear week of training which really helped us. It was important that we approached this game well and nullified their threats. We kept something in the bag. There was an extra impetus behind this game that cannot be ignored – we drilled it into the lads from Monday morning onwards. It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, but they didn't drop their heads.
ON BECOMING HEROES…
I’m a bit emotional to be honest, it’ll take a while to set in but that’s what football does to you.
PICS: Stephen Flynn (Pro Sport Images)
