Anthony Wordsworth: Defensive switch has been key to Dons’ revival

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Anthony Wordsworth reckons AFC Wimbledon’s switch to a three-man central defence has been key to their revival.

The Dons are aiming for a fourth straight League One win when they take on Gillingham tomorrow at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Wally Downes’ side have also not conceded in more than five hours – 360 minutes to be exact.

Wordsworth said: “Since we have changed formation we have kept a few clean sheets – the longer we stay in the game the more we fancy ourselves to nick one.

“When we’ve got the ball you get the two full-backs flying forward to provide the width, and when we haven’t got the ball we have got five defenders in front of our goal.

“It’s a good formation if you’ve got the personnel to play it. It’s certainly working to our benefit.”

Wimbledon are one of the form teams in the division –  their 1-0 victory at Southend on Saturday taking them off the bottom of the table. Wordsworth said: “The mood changes, they come from winning football matches on the bounce.

“There were times in the season when it was not going so well and it was hard to get going. Winning matches brings positivity in the training ground.

“But we haven’t done anything yet.

“Southend were really down in the dumps and we were really buzzing – but they are still above us in the table. It’s a reality check that we’re still a way off the target.”