Brentford loanee has got a big part to play for AFC Wimbledon

Mark Robinson has reaffirmed that Aaron Pressley is going to be a “big player” for AFC Wimbledon after the forward put in one of his best performances since arriving at Plough Lane.

The on-loan Brentford forward provided the assist for Luke McCormick’s 90th-minute equaliser and won nine aerial battles against Burton Albion as the Dons ended their three-game losing streak in League One as they drew 1-1 with Burton today.

The 19-year-old, who was starting just his eighth game in professional football, had struggled initially to lead the line and cement his place in the starting line-up. However, the Dons head coach believes that Pressley will only continue to get better as he begins to adapt to life in the third tier.

Robinson said: “He had a couple of moments going forward where he possibly could have done a little bit better, and people will highlight that, but I am telling you that Aaron is going to be a big player for us.

“He’s 19 years of age, and his performances are getting better and better every week. As you saw today, he did so much. He brought people into play. He’s 19, and the adaptation for a young centre-forward into men’s football is absolutely massive. He’s going to be a big player for us. He’s just going to get better and better because he is an absolutely wonderful lad who just wants to be the best he can be, and he has got a fantastic attitude.”

Robinson told the South London Press in midweek that following the 3-0 defeat away at Rotherham – their third loss on the bounce – he had a “long chat” with the players on the coach home about not getting frustrated when moments in games don’t go their way. And he believed his side were “much better” at dealing with these moments this afternoon.

He said: “They were much better because there were a few little things which didn’t go their way here and there, and there was less of that thing you get with young players. They got on with it a lot, lot better. There was a lot more focus.

“We defended well and got back into shape a lot better against a strong, physical side. They never really opened us up in open play, it was more corners and throw-ins that looked like if anything was going to hurt us, that was where it was going to come from.”