Glyn Hodges: Win over Posh can be start of positive run for Dons at Plough Lane

BY MATT VERRI

AFC Wimbledon manager Glyn Hodges hopes his side’s 2-1 victory over Peterborough United can be the start of a positive run in their new stadium.

Goals from Ryan Longman and Joe Pigott gave the Dons their first win back at Plough Lane at the third attempt, after a 2-2 draw with Doncaster Rovers and a second-round FA Cup defeat to Crawley.

This was just a second home league win all season for Hodges’ side, but the boss believes his team will improve as they settle in to their new surroundings.

“I like it here now we’ve got a win!” Hodges said.

“It’s our third game here, and being greedy we thought we might have won the first two, but this has come against one of the best teams in the league so we’re delighted.

“We said to the boys to get the monkey off our backs, and we’ve managed to do that. We’ve been enjoying playing away, but this is a great environment and the boys enjoy playing here, so hopefully there are more positive results to come.”

After a hectic recent schedule, this was AFC Wimbledon’s fifth game in 11 days, and Hodges made four changes from the side that lost to Crawley on the weekend.

With December always a busy month in the football calendar, the Dons’ boss believes the squad depth he has at his disposal is ensuring standards remain high.

“Today they worked their socks off, and now it’s about recovering and going again Saturday,” Hodges said.

“There’s some that haven’t been happy to have not been playing, and a couple of them got their chance tonight and did fantastically.

“There’s a carrot for every single one of them – every position has people pushing each other, and I’m more than happy changing personnel because we’ve got a good squad and it gives us a chance to win every game.

“This win is a confidence booster, and shows we’re more than happy to play anyone and go toe-to-toe with them.”