AFC WimbledonSport

‘Flat’ – Johnnie Jackson’s assessment following AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup defeat to Chesterfield

Johnnie Jackson labelled his AFC Wimbledon side’s performance as “flat” following their 2-0 FA Cup second-round defeat to National League side Chesterfield.

The visitors took the lead in the 44th minute through Armando Dobra. 

Paul Cook’s side broke at pace, with the ball finding its way to Dorbra just in front of Nik Tzanev’s goal, and the former Ipswich man buried his shot past Tzanev.

The visitors booked their place in the third round in the 76th minute when Jeff King’s cross caught Tzanev out of position and the ball looped into the net.

Wimbledon’s 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions also came to an end following the defeat.

“We’re disappointed to go out,” said Jackson. “It was a pretty flat performance from ourselves, considering where we have been and the run that we have been on.

“We paid the price today of the tough schedule that we have had.

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield Emirates FA Cup Second Round, Plough Lane, 26 November 2022
Picture : Keith Gillard

“The run of games has been really gruelling. I was fearing that it might take its toll at some stage.

“Today, even though we had moments and different situations could have been different, overall, that performance wasn’t indicative of where the team has been in the last six weeks.”

Wimbledon’s best opportunity of the second half fell to Harry Pell with 20 minutes remaining. Huseyin Biler drove forward and sent a cross into the box, the ball found its way towards Pell, but in front of Ross Fitzimmons’ goal, he placed his effort over the bar.

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield Emirates FA Cup Second Round, Plough Lane, 26 November 2022
Picture : Keith Gillard

“It’s a good chance for Pelly – he would have expected to score that,” added Jackson. “He had a couple. He had one at the back post from an Ethan Chislett free-kick, and obviously the one that he put over [the bar]. 

“It can change the swing of the game if we equalise there. But we haven’t tested the keeper in both of those moments. 

“If you’re Paul Cook, you’re probably saying that his keeper hasn’t had too much to do, even though we have had two gilt-edged chances.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD


Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.


Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.

Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:

“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”

If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.