Dons boss delivers verdict after 10-game League Two unbeaten run ends following 2-1 defeat to Sutton

Johnnie Jackson believed his AFC Wimbledon side did not deserve anything from their 2-1 defeat to Sutton on New Year’s Day.

The home side took the lead in the 13th minute after Will Randall cut inside past Huseyin Biler and curled a shot from distance past Nik Tzanev.

Jackson’s side equalised in the 40th minute when Ethan Chislett’s free-kick led to the ball falling to Josh Davison just inside the area. The former Charlton forward turned and stabbed the ball past Sutton keeper Jack Rose.

Sutton took the lead and secured all three points in the 69th minute after Allistair Smith’s shot was saved by Tzanev, but the rebound fell to the waiting Omar Bugiel to score.

The defeat at Gander Green Lane saw Wimbledon’s 10-game unbeaten run in League Two come to an end.

“I’m disappointed with the result,” said Jackson. “I don’t think we deserved anything today.

“The first half, especially, we were poor. We just didn’t show up for that first half an hour – we looked off it and leggy.

“We were just a yard short. It wasn’t the team that I have seen in the previous 10 league games.

“It was disappointing it took us that long to get going. Perhaps a tough schedule and a game too many in the legs. I didn’t recognise that first 30 minutes.”

The outing at Sutton was Wimbledon’s third game in seven days.

“We haven’t got the biggest of squads,” said Jackson. “I have been having to lean on a group of 13 or 14 players to get us through. Perhaps that showed today.

“I’m not going to be too critical of my team. Although I’m disappointed with the performance, to go 10 unbeaten in the league is no mean feat.

“Defeat was always going to come – it stings. But it’s about what we do now. The last time we suffered defeat in a derby game, we went on a really good run. We need to show that side of us again.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON