‘Learning curve’ for AFC Wimbledon striker after first League One start

Mark Robinson believes that Aaron Cosgrave’s performance in AFC Wimbledon’s 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town was a “learning curve.”

The Dons lost top goalscorer Ollie Palmer only 24 hours prior to kick off after he was sold to National League side Wrexham for £300,000.

They were also without captain Alex Woodyard, who missed his first League One game of the season after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Burton on Saturday.

Two second-half strikes from Ipswich winger Wes Burn earned the visitors all three points and ended the Dons’ run of three straight draws.

It was Cosgrave’s first League One start for the Dons. The 22-year-old was recalled from his loan spell with Dover Athletic at the start of the window after he scored four goals in 19 games for the National League side.

Robinson told the South London Press: “I thought he took a while to get into it in the first half. But in the second half he linked up well and was getting it right at what points to drop in.

“It’s going to be a learning curve for him – it’s a step up. I took him off because it was going to be his first 90 minutes, and then Terry Ablade came on and looked bright.

“They are two players with loads of potential, and that’s what we have got. We have just got to keep working – the results will come.”

Robinson was forced into five changes from the side that took a point away from the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday, which handed fringe players Ethan Chislett, Dan Csoka, and Aaron Cosgrave starts.

“Dan was excellent. Luke McCormick sat in the middle and was excellent, too. Chislett came back into the side and did really, really well.

“Obviously, the result makes you disappointed, but my job is to look at the progression, look at the things that we’re not getting right and not be knee-jerk about it.

“There were loads of positives.”

PICTURE: LUCY DIXON