Every word from Johnnie Jackson’s press conference after AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win against Stockport County – Dons boss on League Two play-offs, Assal’s departure & new signings

Harry Pell’s 49th-minute header gave AFC Wimbledon all three points in their 1-0 win over Stockport County at Plough Lane on Saturday.

The Dons moved up to 10th in the table and sit three points off the play-off spots.

Here is every word from Johnnie Jackson’s written press conference after the game:

Thoughts on the performance?

“I thought it was a brilliant performance from my team.

“Especially in the second half, we really took the game to them.

“We created a lot of chances and scored a great goal.

“In the moments where we had to defend our penalty box, we did it really well. I’m really pleased.”

What was most pleasing?

“I think the all-round nature of the performance.

“We worked tirelessly to a man, but there was a lot of quality in there as well. We created a lot of openings against a team that doesn’t give up many chances.

“To create those chances and do it all in spite of some decisions that didn’t go our way, I’m delighted with that.”

What did you make of the penalty that wasn’t given?

“The one that isn’t given on Josh is ridiculous.

“That’s twice against Stockport. It’s not their fault, so I don’t mean that as any slur against Stockport, but we had a stonewall one turned down at their place in the second half, and it’s happened again.

“It’s not cost us today, but we have been on the wrong end of a few of late.

“We have had two red cards rescinded this year and some dubious penalty shouts as well, I will say.”

Their penalty?

“I didn’t think it was a penalty.

“I haven’t seen it back, but you always see that on the football pitch.

“The ball is going out for a goal kick – there is no danger. They weren’t going to score in that situation, yet they got an opportunity to.

“It doesn’t sit right with me.”

That team looked as though it had been playing together for ages.

“On the one hand, with the games called off, it can be frustrating, but it has allowed us to do a lot of work on the training pitch and bed those new guys in.

“I thought the ones who started – Ali and Armani – were magnificent. 

“Bringing Saikou Janneh on off the bench for his debut – they look like they have been a part of it for a really long time. That’s really pleasing.”

Up to 10th. Three points off the play-offs. Dreaming. Can the fans dream?

“We’re a really good team who are hard to beat.

“We have beaten a very, very good side that a lot of people, myself included, rate highly – they will be in the shake-up towards the end of the season.

“We have proved on our day that we are a match for these teams.

“Obviously, [it’s down to] consistency. Let’s not get carried away and try and grind out the wins little by little. We can see where it takes us, but we’re in a really good position and in a really good place.

“You saw the atmosphere around the football club today.

“The rapport between us as players, staff and supporters and the camaraderie we have got at the training ground is unrivalled. I promise you.

“That can take you quite far. We have got quality as well. Let’s see where it takes us.”

Harry Pell’s goal – a great goal.

“It was a great goal.

“It was a fantastic ball in. We work a lot on getting the ball wide and deliveries. I was saying to Pelly that he needs to be in the penalty box and doing what he did today more.

“Fair play to him. I want more of that from him. He has got the ability to arrive there and the height and physicality to be a real nuisance as well. 

“Hopefully, there is more to come.”

A handful of fantastic individual performances. Alex Pearce and Armani Little, they were outstanding today, weren’t they?

“I think you are right to say that there was a lot. 

“Pearcy was a rock at the back. Coming up against a striker in Kyle Wootton and them bringing Paddy Madden on, they’re top players at this level.

“He defended great – Paul Kalambayi [was great] alongside him, too. It’s difficult to single out individuals, but Armani, on his full-league debut, he showed fantastic energy in the middle of the pitch.

“I think you’re right to say that those boys did great, but everyone did. “

To lose the players that you have and the big transition of new signings, to still have the same core values in the team – you must be delighted?

“Yeah, but that’s a hallmark of this team and something we have spoken about from day dot.

“It takes a while to get there, but before today, we had one defeat in 14 league games, so unless you have that in your locker – to defend and dig deep when you need to – you’re not going to go on runs like that.

“Credit to all the boys for playing their part on that.”

Ayoub Assal’s departure has been confirmed. A word on that.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the boy.

“It’s going to change his life – I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

“We’re really disappointed to have lost a player of that calibre.

“I loved working with him – I really enjoyed it.

“The football club deserves a huge credit for developing him through the academy, along with the people who played their part in that.

“We really helped to take his game to the next level this season – it’s culminated in him getting a move.

“That’s what happens, unfortunately, at this level. You do lose your best players – people come and make them offers which are obviously head-turners.

“Good luck to the boy. He leaves with fond wishes and I really hope he goes and does well.”

Huseyin Biler – what a performance from him. He looks like a real talent.

“Hus has been brilliant since he has come into the team.

“That’s the way I work. He wasn’t in the team – Chris Gunter, who went to the World Cup, was playing in that position.

“Hus got his chance and hasn’t come out of the team since. It’s the way I operate. If someone has the shirt and are doing the business, they stay in.

“Football can be simple at times. Today, again, he was excellent.

“He surprised us all with his consistency. With these young lads, we know they all have talent and are capable, but it’s about producing it week in and week out, which is the challenge for younger players.

“They often have dips, and one will come with Hus for sure, but at the minute, his performance levels are really high every week.”

Does the talent within the club’s academy excite you?

“It does. 

“The club has a history of producing really good players, and it has a history of allowing those players to flourish. 

“It happened before I arrived, and I have continued that on.

“If you’re playing well and training well, I don’t care how old you are and where you have come from, you get an opportunity. 

“That’s all that matters to me.”

Three clean sheets on the bounce in League Two. Only one goal in the last three. Is that a concern?

“If you look at the game today, I think we created a hell of a lot.

“On another day, we score more. We should have had a penalty, and we scored a great goal.

“It’s something that we have been looking at and working on a lot. 

“We are solid, and we don’t concede a lot of goals, but we haven’t been scoring much.

“Today, we could have had three or four goals, and I don’t think there could have been much complaint about that.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON