‘Been the difference’ – Johnnie Jackson delivers verdict on AFC Wimbledon’s 2-0 defeat to Newport

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson was left frustrated that his side were unable to test Newport County keeper Nick Townsend more during their 2-0 defeat at Plough Lane on Saturday.

Bryn Morris gave the visitors the lead in the 10th minute when he received the ball on the edge of the box and drilled a low shot beyond the outstretched Alex Bass.

Kyle Jameson doubled Newport’s advantage in the 54th minute when the defender met a free-kick inside the area and shot beyond Bass.

The Dons had 14 shots but only forced Townsend into three saves during the 90 minutes.

Jackson’s side stayed seventh in the table but have five teams below them who are all looking to claim that final play-off spot.

“It wasn’t the way we wanted it to go,” said Jackson.

“For all of our play, our possession and dominance in the final third, we probably haven’t tested their goalkeeper enough.

“That would be my biggest frustration. The last little bit – the cross or the shot – the quality wasn’t quite there.

“Their goalkeeper hasn’t had to make enough saves for my liking.

“We started the game well. We spent a lot of time in their final third in the first 10 minutes, but they got the goal and it gave them a little bit of momentum in the game.

“That midway period in the first half, we weren’t quite as good.

“They end the first half hanging on a little bit.

“It pretty much went that way in the second half. They get the goal and they’re always going to have a threat on the counter, but all the play was ours. 

“Their first goal is a great strike – he’s hit the target from distance. We haven’t done that today and that’s probably been the difference.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD