‘A little bit of nervousness’ – Barrow boss makes AFC Wimbledon admission after late comeback draw

Barrow boss Andy Whing said his side could sense the nervousness around Plough Lane as they came from two goals down to claim a late 2-2 draw against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

The visitors should have taken the lead in the 52nd minute when Ben Jackson whipped a cross into the box with power and pace, but the arriving Ben Whitfield from six yards out was unable to direct his shot on target.

Kian Spence was next to take aim at Owen Goodman’s goal – firing a half-volley just wide from distance four minutes later.

Marcus Browne put Wimbledon ahead against the run of play in the 59th minute when Joe Lewis’ kick down the entire pitch saw the former Oxford attacker collect the ball and fire beyond Paul Farman from a tight angle.

Browne had the ball in the back of the net four minutes later after good work from Matty Stevens and Alistair Smith, but the goalscorer was flagged for offside.

Matty Stevens extended Wimbledon’s advantage with five minutes remaining when he turned home Josh Neufville’s cross to score his 17th League Two goal of the season.

Dean Campbell pulled one back for Barrow in the 87th minute when Whing’s side broke away on the counter-attack and the substitute was given time and space on the edge of the box to fire a deflected shot beyond Goodman.

Barrow drew level with one minute of second-half added time remaining when Isaac Fletcher pulled the ball back to substitute Connor Mahoney inside the box to fire beyond Goodman.

“We were excellent throughout,” said Whing.

“We lacked a bit of quality at times in transitions. I don’t know if it was the pitch – it was firm and bouncy.

“We got into good areas – they were really open on transition. If we had got that right, we would have won the game today.

“Their first one was a foul – it’s blatant. I know he has not meant it, but he (Browne) has clipped Niall Canavan’s heel.

“He would have been there to clear it. The referee gave loads of free-kicks after, but it’s irrelevant – the big call was the goal. 

“We were a little bit disappointed there but I’m delighted and really pleased with the result at the end.”

When asked if he could sense that Wimbledon were there for the taking after pulling one back, Whing said: “Definitely.

“It’s a fantastic football club. It’s the first time I’ve been here – it’s an outstanding place.

“There was a little bit of nervousness until they scored that first goal. We thought that if we got the first goal, we had a chance to go on and win the game.

“When we scored, you could sense a nervousness around the place.

“Johnnie Jackson is a fantastic manager and hopefully they get promoted.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD