Dons keeper Tzanev: I’d have jumped into stand to celebrate my penalty save if supporters were at Plough Lane

BY KAI BENNETT

AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Nik Tzanev said his penalty save was an “amazing moment” and that the only shame the fans weren’t in Plough Lane for it.

Joe Pigott scored an 88th-minute winner for the Dons. However Tzanev was the hero for the home side as he saved a 96th-minute penalty to ensure his side walked away with all three points and the result means only goal difference keeps the Dons in the League One relegation zone.

Tzanev told the club website: “It was amazing, words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now.

“My heart was racing before the penalty and just being able to pull that out for the team to get the three points is massive for the situation we’re in. It will be a great game to build on now going forward.

“It was funny because I felt the ball hadn’t even gone off the pitch and the ref blew the whistle.

“It was an amazing moment and I’ll remember it. It’s just a shame the fans weren’t here, because if the fans were here it would have been a hundred times better.”

Tzanev said penalties are something they work on in training and had praise for Tom Daws.

“I have to say my thanks to Tom Daws because he puts together a little goalkeeping analysis for us. We review it every week on what threat the teams possess. Northampton are a lot more long ball.

“We go through some of the penalties, and we did our homework.”

The victory was a first for the Dons since February 23.

“It’s massive. It’s something we can build on now and apart from that [the penalty] I didn’t have a shot to save, so I think it’s something we can build on and hopefully get a six point week now which would be massive.”

Tzanev was sent on loan to Sutton United last season but playing at Plough Lane was always the dream and there is now an understanding between him and a back four.

“The words can’t describe it, because being here for four years, it’s been a bit of a struggle to get into the team and coming back after Sutton and not playing and not being given a chance, so having that opportunity now is just amazing and to be able to do it for such an amazing club with amazing fans is even more special.

“We’ve got so solid and we have that relationship as well off the pitch with Nighty and with Ben. We go into every game with the mindset that we’re not going to concede, so that’s massive to have that confidence in each other and to be able to keep that high line which Robbie has emphasised, has helped us a lot and five unbeaten now so we need to continue it.”

Tzanev reckons if the fans were in Plough Lane for the penalty save he would’ve jumped into the crowd.

“It would’ve been ecstatic, I would’ve jumped into the crowd and got a yellow [card], it’s such a pity there not here but I’m just happy for the fans and everyone involved.”

PHOTOS: KEITH GILLARD