AFC WimbledonSport

Dons boss Jackson believes stalemate with Oxford was ‘step in the right direction’

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson was pleased to see his side make a “step in the right direction” following their 0-0 draw against League One outfit Oxford United.

The Dons’ final pre-season test saw them play out a goalless draw against an Oxford side looking to push for promotion from League One once again.

The South Londoners went close to taking the lead in the first half through Ayoub Assal and Lee Brown.

Oxford turned up the pressure in the early stages of the second half and were awarded a penalty just seven minutes into the second 45 when Alex Pearce brought down Marcus Browne.

But Nik Tzanev pushed away Cameron Brannagan’s powerful spot-kick.

Ayoub Assal
Picture: Lucy Dixon

Wimbledon’s League Two campaign commences against Gillingham at Plough Lane next Saturday.

“It was a really good test – I thought it was a really good game,” Jackson told the South London Press. “I was pleased with my team. I wanted an improved performance with every friendly that has gone on.

“The Reading game in the week was an improvement on the one [Ipswich] before, and today was another improvement.

“We were really good in possession at times – we moved the ball and played out well. Our shape out of possession was equally as good.

“All the stuff we have been working on is paying off. You can always improve and be better, and we will strive for that. But it was definitely a step in the right direction today.”

Wimbledon’s best second-half chance came through substitute Isaac Ogundere, who failed to turn home his late opportunity when one-on-one with Jack Stevens.

“We had some really good moments,” added Jackson. “Right at the end [with Ogundere’s chance], we might have nicked it, but the goalkeeper has stepped up in the big moment and made a great save.

“I am a bit disappointed that we haven’t scored a goal because I thought our all-round play definitely warranted it.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON


Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.


Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.

Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:

“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”

If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.