AFC Wimbledon players will gain confidence from ending Plough Lane win wait

AFC Wimbledon head coach Mark Robinson reckons picking up a first win at Plough Lane since early September will give his AFC Wimbledon players confidence.

The Dons fought back from being a goal down to beat Crewe 3-2 thanks to a close-range finish from Jack Rudoni and a brace from Ollie Palmer.

“I don’t really like to use the word relief because it makes you sound like you’re desperate,” said Robinson. “It was important for the players, because it gives them that confidence.

“Against Portsmouth, who are just outside the play-offs, you can see that we’re a good side. On Tuesday, we showed that as well.

“I was really pleased with how we played for 70 minutes.The reaction was excellent, and we played some really good attacking football – we created loads of chances – 3-1 certainly didn’t flatter us at half time.

“There were a few little things at the end that we need to do better, but that’s where we are, and we will keep working on that.”

Palmer, 29, has scored in successive games

“Having Ollie back has helped us because he occupies players and that allows the likes of Ayoub Assal, Luke McCormick and Jack Rudoni to have more freedom,” said Robinson.

“It’s nothing against Aaron Pressley because he’s going to be great as well, but having that bit of experience up there does help us.

“We played some excellent football. It gives us something to build on.”