‘The right time’ – AFC Wimbledon boss left impressed by Crystal Palace loanee’s performance in Gillingham win

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson believed it was the right time to freshen up his forward options and was impressed by John-Kymani Gordon’s performance in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Gillingham.

The Crystal Palace loanee had started the previous six League Two outings on the bench, coming on for the final 24 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 win at Notts County last Saturday.

Josh Kelly is yet to find his first goal for the Dons since joining from Solihull Moors on January deadline day but had started every game prior to Tuesday night since arriving at Plough Lane.

Gordon played a role in Conor Masterson’s sending-off, getting the Gills defender a second yellow card after breaking through on goal.

Former Cambridge loanee Gordon was replaced by Kelly in the 82nd minute and received a standing ovation.

Ex-Maidenhead forward Kelly had a chance late on to open his AFC Wimbledon scoring but his chip over Gills keeper Glenn Morris was cleared off the line.

“I thought he was really good,” said Jackson when asked about Gordon’s performance.

“He brought us an energy at the top end of the pitch. He was positive when he got the ball and he got at them to cause problems.

“He did the defensive side of it, which I need as well from the forwards as well.

“He still had a bit of running in him. I just felt that when the game got a little bit stretched, there might be opportunities for Kelly to get in.

“He was unlucky as well to miss out, but I have got options in those areas and I just felt as though tonight was the right time to freshen it.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS