‘I know he was frustrated’ – Johnnie Jackson praises James Ball for AFC Wimbledon pre-season return

James Ball netted his first goal of the 2024-25 season in AFC Wimbledon’s 4-2 win over Colchester United on Saturday afternoon.

The 28-year-old got the comeback underway at Plough Lane when he turned Omar Bugiel’s shot past U’s keeper Matt Macey.

Ball started in a midfield three alongside Alistair Smith and Jake Reeves.

The former Rochdale man joined the Dons last season but found himself in and out of the team, with Reeves and now Gillingham player Armani Little starting in the middle.

“I have to say fair play to Bally,” Jackson told the South London Press.

“He always stuck to his tasks and has been professional.

“I know he was frustrated. We had conversations around that, but he always did the right things.

“He came back fit, and day one of pre-season is a clean slate. I pick a team that I believe is going to help us win a game.

“Bally showed me enough in pre-season to get himself in the team.

“That’s what we said on day one of pre-season: ‘We have six weeks and I can only 11.’

“Some people were unlucky not to start today. Bally deserved his start and that’s down to him.

“I don’t have favourites – I don’t care what has gone on before – I pick a team to win a game of football. 

“Bally was a part of that today.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD