‘Absolutely brilliant’ – Johnnie Jackson hails James Tilley as AFC Wimbledon book quarter final EFL Trophy spot

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson hailed James Tilley’s performance as “absolutely brilliant” after his brace in their round of 16 EFL Trophy win over League One Oxford United on Tuesday night.

Tilley put Wimbledon 1-0 up in the 21st minute when he burst forward from the halfway line and cut onto his left foot to shoot beyond Simon Eastwood.

It was the first time the summer signing from Crawley bagged for the Dons since his brace in the first round FA Cup win over Cheltenham in early November.

Tilley doubled his tally and Wimbledon’s advantage in the 49th minute when he collected the ball just inside the Oxford half and cut onto his left foot inside the penalty area to score.

Simon Eastwood was sent off in the 89th minute after tripping Harry Pell as he burst towards goal, with midfielder Oisin Smyth going in goal for the final few minutes.

This is the first time Wimbledon have reached the last eight of this competition since 2014.

“I’m really pleased,” said Dons boss Johnnie Jackson.

“It’s another really good performance against a top team in a higher division.

“They took the game very seriously with the side they put out, so credit to my players for the way they stuck to the task.

“They showed a lot of quality in moments and had to be really disciplined in moments when the opposition had the ball, but I thought our shape was excellent.

“I’m really pleased with the night.

“As a manager, I can give Tilley an opportunity, and he produces that – it’s a credit to the lad that he’s stuck to his task.

“He’s been training hard, and we know what we can do – he was probably the best player for us in the first couple of months of the season.

“He was absolutely brilliant tonight.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS