Dons boss explains why defender was replaced at half-time in Salford defeat

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says Aaron Pierre was forced off at half-time due to a thigh injury.

Pierre made a vital block before half-time to stop Salford forward Callum Hendry from getting a shot off at Nathan Broome’s goal.

The 30-year-old joined on a free transfer from Sutton in the January window, signing a contract with the South Londoners until the end of the season.

Pierre has made 10 appearances for the Dons under ex-Charlton boss Jackson.

The Grenada international was replaced by Luke Jenkins at half-time.

“Aaron felt his thigh in the game and said he couldn’t carry on at half-time,” explained Jackson.

Ethan Chislett bagged a brace on Friday in Wimbledon’s 2-2 draw at relegation candidates Harrogate Town but was missing from the matchday squad against Salford.

The South African midfielder is Wimbledon’s top goalscorer this season, having recorded 11 goals in all competitions under Johnnie Jackson.

“Ethan hurt his hamstring in training, so he couldn’t play today,” added Jackson.

“Hopefully it’s not long, but I don’t know.”

The Dons conceded two goals in second-half stoppage time to fall to a 3-2 defeat to play-off chasing Salford.

Nathan Broome stopped Callum Hendry’s penalty in the 90th minute to keep Wimbledon’s 2-1 lead intact before Salford found two late goals.

Jackson added: “It was a great save from the penalty and you think that’s the little bit of fortune that we needed to get over the line.

“Just wasn’t to be.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD