Dons boss hails midfielder after stepping into centre-back role in Carlisle win

Johnnie Jackson praised midfielder James Ball after he filled in at centre-back in AFC Wimbledon’s 4-0 hammering of Carlisle on Saturday.

The 28-year-old was handed the central role in a back three defence alongside Isaac Ogundere and Riley Harbottle.

Ball started in the same role against League One side Crawley in the EFL Trophy, the Dons won that tie 4-3, with Joe Lewis set to be sidelined for a month and Ryan Johnson only just returning from injury.

Ex-Rochdale player Ball captained the side for the first time since joining at the start of the 2023-24 season and made five clearances and two blocks during the 90 minutes.

“Bally was brilliant,” said Jackson.

“I have to say with the way he’s slotted in there – he did it in the week against Crawley too – we had the confidence to go with him on Saturday because he was good in midweek as well.

“I got everything that I wanted from him – he was the captain and leader out there. He organised in front of himself. When he had to defend, he did that too.”

James Tilley played a crucial role in helping the Dons get back to winning ways in League Two following their 1-0 defeat at Salford, setting up three goals in their thrashing of Mike Williamson’s side.

Tilley set up Matty Stevens twice and also delivered the corner for Cameron Harper to turn the ball into his own net.

The 26-year-old – who played as an attacker last season – has been turned into a left wing-back this season.

“Tills is quality on his left foot,” said Charlton legend Jackson.

“His deliveries on Saturday – he put them on the money. He was outstanding. It’s important that when you have a delivery such as that, you have people who want to come and attack it.

“It all came together. It was a really good team performance – I don’t want to dig too many people out when the team has played so well.”

Jackson was able to take off Omar Bugiel and Stevens with Wimbledon 4-0 up in the 72nd minute, bringing on Josh Kelly and Joe Pigott to see out the game.

“That’s why we moulded the squad the way that we have,” he said.

“We just felt in previous seasons gone by, when you have to make changes and you’re looking around at your bench, perhaps the drop off from the ones out there was too big.

“We now have two quality players in every position. It gives you confidence as a coach that when you’re making the changes, there won’t be a drop-off but actually an improvement from the bench.

“I have four good strikers. They have all got massive roles to play.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS