What we learned from AFC Wimbledon’s 0-0 draw with Carlisle United – Leicester City loanee’s cameo offers promise as Nik Tzanev keeps another clean sheet

BY LAURENCE LOWNE

With both youngsters Hussein Biler and Jack Currie missing from the starting line-up, it was down to the experienced players to make their mark on the game and keep promotion hopefuls Carlisle United out.

Centre-back Alex Pearce rolled back the years and kept the back four solid. When they were breached, reliable keeper Nik Tzanev kept another clean sheet – his 12th in all competitions this season.

In fact, one save from Tzanev in the first half was probably a match-saver, keeping out a bullet header from Kristian Dennis following an Owen Moxon cross. 

Amazingly, he equalled that with a second-half save from Callum Guy’s powerful shot.

There were also a couple of others during the match when Carlisle threw bodies into the box at corners, and Tzanev relieved the pressure on the defence to punch clear with distance.

Earlier in the season, a goal may have resulted from the second phase of play, but now the backline is fully committed and organised to keeping the clean sheet and picking up the loose ball, often seeking to find Josh Davison up front.

An extraordinarily positive change from last season and a base to work from since the team have become exceedingly difficult to beat.

The majority of good and great teams are based on a solid defence, and now if Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson can find a way to conjure some goals from his new signings – as they merge their skills and talents with the existing players – the second half of the season promises lots.

A short cameo from Kasey McAteer made supporters sit up and take notice, while Ali Al-Hamadi once again impressed with his speed and direct running.

What we learned:

• Nik Tzanev is commanding his penalty box with confidence. The New Zealander now expects, along with his defence, to keep a clean sheet each game.
• Whilst the club may have lost the services of a couple of loanees recently, Kasey McAteer’s 10-minute introduction proved to the team and supporters he has something different to offer. Playing on the break could become a reality for Wimbledon if you combine McAteer’s ability with the directness and pace of Al-Hamadi.

• Up front, Josh Davison was manhandled, had his shirt pulled and was generally smothered by defenders – referee Darren Handley ignored the foul play. Davison, though, thrives on good support and accurate crosses, which were non-existent against Carlisle. One for the training ground to be sorted by the coaching team.
• Armani Little picked up man of the match from sponsors for his all-action display in midfield. Ethan Chislett and Lee Brown have the accuracy of delivery for free-kicks and corners, but maybe supporters will see some new and varied routines soon, with Little being a set-piece specialist.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON