‘We could have folded’ – AFC Wimbledon boss Jackson impressed by his team’s resilience at Bradford City

Johnnie Jackson was proud of his AFC Wimbledon side’s performance despite Mark Hughes’ Bradford City scoring a last-minute equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.

The Dons were on course to claim their first three points in League Two since the 2-0 win against Crawley Town on August 20th. 

However, they were denied all three points in the 95th minute after substitute striker Vadaine Oliver squeezed past Jack Currie and headed Matthew Foulds’ cross past Nik Tzanev.

“I’m really proud of the performance,” said Jackson to Wimbledon’s official website.

“I thought, to a man, that the lads were outstanding – they left everything out on the pitch. The commitment for the badge was incredible.

“They put bodies on the line and gave me everything in terms of their effort.

“I thought we were going to see it through and get a deserved win, but obviously, I’m really pleased with my boys and what they gave me today.”

Bradford took the lead in the fourth minute at Valley Parade after Crystal Palace loanee Scott Banks curled a free-kick past Tzanev.

“The response to that was excellent,” explained Jackson of how his side dealt with going a goal down.

“We could have folded. We could have gone under, especially with the run we have been on – we were in a tough spot there.

“But the lads stood up, took the game to Bradford, and I thought we were the better team after they scored.”

The Dons found an equaliser through Harry Pell in the 58th minute. The midfielder scored his first goal since returning to the club in the summer when he rifled home the rebound from Ayoub Assal’s saved effort.

Jackson’s side then took the lead through Ethan Chislett with just under 15 minutes of normal time remaining, when the South African struck a right-footed free-kick past Harry Lewis.

The Dons hit the woodwork twice during the 90 minutes – Chistlett curling an effort off the crossbar and Josh Davison hitting the post – but had to settle for the point after conceding late on.

“It was a tremendous performance against a team who are arguably going to be in and around the automatic promotion places,” added Jackson.

“It’s a very difficult place to come, but we have come here and taken the game to them. We could have scored more goals, and our performance deserved that.

“It was a good game and a really good performance. A point on the board stops the run of defeats. 

“We would have liked more, but my message at the end was: ‘Keep your heads up.’

“The players have done themselves and the football club proud today.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON