AFC Wimbledon boss Jackson reacts to Nik Tzanev’s mistake in Northampton defeat

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson says that Nik Tzanev mistake ‘gifted’ Northampton Town the lead in their 2-0 home defeat on Tuesday evening.

The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute following a mistake by goalkeeper Nik Tzanev. In slippery conditions, a soft Jon Guthrie header from a Mitch Pinnock free-kick rolled underneath Tzanev and into the net.

Northampton scored their second of the evening and wrapped up all three points in the 69th minute. Ali Koiki chipped a cross into the box for Sam Hoskins, who took aim and saw his shot deflect off debutant Ryley Towler and past Nik Tzanev.

The Dons only managed to record one shot on target in the second half – an effort from the edge of the box from Ayoub Assal.

“It’s just slipped through his hands,” said Jackson of Tzanev’s mistake.

“It’s a freak thing. Tzanev is a good goalkeeper and is disappointed to concede a goal like that.

“The conditions were tricky, but he would expect to deal with a situation like that.

“We have gifted them a goal when I thought we were well on top in that period of the game as well. It’s a tough one to take.”

Tuesday’s defeat saw the Dons record their third defeat on the bounce in League Two, and they have now gone three games in the fourth tier without scoring.

“It’s disappointing to lose,” admitted Jackson.

“There were big moments of the game where we haven’t dealt with situations right. Both boxes have cost us – there wasn’t loads in the game.

“I thought we were the better team in the first half – created more opportunities – but we haven’t put the ball in the net in those moments when we are in the ascendency in the game.

“We have missed chances again. We have gifted them the lead, which changes the complexion of the game and made it difficult from there.”