Relief is the biggest emotion for Joe Pigott after late AFC Wimbledon leveller

BY KAI BENNETT

Joe Pigott was left feeling relieved after his late goal secured AFC Wimbledon a 3-3 draw against Rochdale on Tuesday evening.

The striker missed a penalty with five minutes remaining but then scored his 21st goal of the season in injury time to rescue a point.

The Dons remain 19th, six points above the relegation zone with two games to play.

Pigott said: “It was a sigh of relief. Today wasn’t good enough. The goals we gave away, we were sloppy from set-pieces but the character has got us a point.

“I’m gutted with myself for missing the penalty. If I had scored that, we potentially would have got three points. Luckily we dug deep and found something there. It was a great cross and it was instinctive.

“We have to be better, with the team we have got and the way we have been playing recently, we should be way out of this situation [relegation battle].

“We’re tough to play against now. I’m really gutted about the goals [we conceded], I could have done better with two of them as well. The character is massive from all the lads.

“It’s just part of being a Don really, things are never straightforward are they? The character always shines through in the end.”

Pigott hailed a couple of his team-mates, and in particular Ayoub Assal.

“[Jack Rudoni] Rudi’s starting to get in the positions he should be in and picking up the goals, another great goal and a great cross from Ayoub [Assal], he’s been tremendous considering he’s fasting for Ramadan, so fair play to the kid.

“Ollie [Palmer] was superb, it was great to have him back out there, he helps me so much and Ryan Longman as well when he came on. Direct – which caused problems. Their keeper made an outstanding save from him towards the end.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD