Dons boss Jackson: Stevenage’s goals underline why we aren’t promotion contenders

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson admitted the goals his side conceded in their 3-2 defeat to Stevenage on Tuesday evening show why they are not closer to the top of League Two.

The Dons were punished twice from set-piece situations against Steve Evans’ automatic-promotion hopefuls at Plough Lane.

Wimbledon have only picked up one win since the turn of the year – 1-0 against Stockport – but drawn against high-flying Bradford, Carlisle and Northampton.

Jackson’s side are 11 points off the play-off places in League Two.

When asked if he ever looked at the league table and wondered how his side were not close to the top seven, Jackson, left, admitted: “I do, but I’m getting a bit sick of saying it.

“We are where we are, and they (Stevenage) are where they are. If you’re going to concede the type of goals we have tonight (Tuesday), that’s probably the reason why.

“To get done by cheap goals like that is unacceptable.”

“It’s frustrating because we showed that we’re a really good team. We conceded poor goals. With the balance of the play and how we performed, it doesn’t feel like we have come away with what we deserved.

“We can pat ourselves on the back and say: ‘Well done. We played really well and we created a load’. But we lost. We were better than them, but they won and are at the top – we’re in mid-table. I know where I would rather be.”

Ali Al-Hamadi bagged a brace against Stevenage, scoring his third and fourth since joining the club in the January transfer window.

“He’s doing great,” said Jackson of the Iraqi forward. “That’s why we brought him in – we recognised his qualities.

“He’s allowed us to go about it a little bit differently and play with a front two at times, which causes a lot of problems at this level.

“I’m really pleased. He was a constant threat all night. His pace and his power in behind [makes him a threat] and we utilised it really well.”

“I’m sure he would have swapped them [the goals] for a win.”