AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson: ‘Harrogate win important after recent tough results’

Johnnie Jackson said it was important his AFC Wimbledon side picked up maximum points against Harrogate after recent ‘tough’ results.

The Dons had thrown away leads in their last three League Two outings and dropped all the way down to sixth over midweek, just four points away from being outside of the play-offs.

But Alistair Smith’s 77th-minute strike gave them all three points against Harrogate and created a gap to the chasing pack.

Jackson’s side are five points off top spot and four points away from the automatic positions.

“It was important that it didn’t matter how we played – we had to win this game,” said Jackson.

“We did – we done that. It’s been a tough 10 days with the way that the results have gone.

“We’ve been playing well, but to not get the results and with the late goals that we have conceded have hurt us.

“To get the response from the lads today and to see it through, I’m so pleased for them.

“You find out a little bit more about yourself and the group when things aren’t going well – they have responded great today.

“I’d be lying if I said I never looked at the table. We’re in an unbelievable position.

“There is more drama to come. This is League Two and it’s so competitive.

“With five games to go, we are right in the mix. Today was important. If we didn’t win today, it looked a lot more difficult.”

PICTURE: ALAMY