‘Annoyed’ – AFC Wimbledon boss Jackson on 3-1 defeat at Walsall

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson lamented the nature of the goals his side conceded as they suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Walsall.

Isaac Hutchinson opened the scoring for the hosts after five minutes, capitalising on Jackson’s side failing to clear the ball following a corner and hitting a shot which deflected past Nik Tzanev.

The Dons found an equaliser through Bristol City loanee Ryley Towler. He stabbed a shot past Owen Evans in the 21st minute.

The Saddlers regained their lead in the 50th minute through Danny Johnson. They wrapped up all three points in second-half added time through Tom Knowles.

Walsall scored with all three of their shots on target.

“I’m annoyed with the defeat,” Jackson told Wimbledon’s media channel.

“I’m annoyed with some aspects of the second half. I’m frustrated that we have lost a game again where there is little in it between the two sides.

“We have come out on the wrong side of it, and it’s really starting to grate.

“All this week, we spoke about starting fast, getting on the front foot, and what did we need to do to make that happen? As we have conceded first in too many games.

“We concede again after four minutes. You can concede goals in various ways, but with the nature of the goals today, a set-piece, which is something we worked on tirelessly.

“You need individuals to stand up in those moments and do the job, but it’s cost us again.

“It’s going to be difficult to win games if you keep conceding first. We found a way back into it again.

“We got the equaliser and were the better side in that period. We were in the ascendancy and should have scored again.

“We go in at half time at 1-1, and we should be in the lead.

“That focus turns to starting the second half on that front foot, and we concede after four minutes. It’s so frustrating.”