‘We lost our way’ – AFC Wimbledon boss reacts to first League Two defeat of the season as Stockport come from behind

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson believed his side lost their way for a period in the second half as Stockport scored two goals to come from behind to win 2-1 at Plough Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Josh Davison grabbed his first of the season in the 31st minute when James Tilley’s corner landed to him nicely inside the area. The club’s record signing bundled the ball beyond Stockport keeper Ben Hinchliffe to open the scoring.

Stockport equalised quickly into the second half. Ex-Millwall forward Isaac Olaofe drove at the Wimbledon defence and played through ex-Barcelona youngster Louie Barry to curl a shot beyond Alex Bass and into the bottom left-hand corner.

The visitors took the lead when Barry jinked his way down the right-hand side and drilled a low cross along the face of goal for Will Collar to smash a shot into the roof of Bass’ net.

It was Wimbledon’s first defeat of the 2023-24 League Two campaign.

“My biggest frustration was that we probably weren’t brave enough on the ball today,” said Dons boss Jackson. “We were too predictable and didn’t cause them enough problems.

“We knew it would be a tough game, but I don’t think Stockport had to be at their best and they haven’t seen Wimbledon in their best light.

“We were good first half. They had a lot of the ball but I don’t think they hurt us at all. 

“Our shape was really good and we had some really good moments on the ball, but we didn’t make enough of those. 

“We got ourselves in front, but the game got away from us in the second half. It became too loose and too stretched. 

“Our shape, which had been our strength in the first half and through the season, became ragged – it culminated in the two goals. 

“We lost our way in that period. We came back into it. We were pushing and knocking on the door in the end, but the game got away from us.

“It was a tight and close game against a good team but we have to take the defeat on the chin.

“It’s not going to derail anything. We were missing a lot of key figures today as well, so there was lots of chopping and changing. 

“The boys have had their first taste of defeat halfway through September – they’re doing great.

“It’s a little kick up the backside, but we go again.”

PICTURE: PA