Every word from Johnnie Jackson after AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient – Dons boss on Chislett’s chance, penalty shout and the transfer window

AFC Wimbledon suffered a 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Top of the table Orient won all three points in the 64th minute at Brisbane Road.

Former Wimbledon player George Moncur drove into the box and slotted a shot beyond Nik Tzanev to condemn the Dons to defeat.

Here is every word from Johnnie Jackson’s post-match press conference:

Thoughts on the performance?

“I thought we competed really well. A top team who are sitting top of the league – I thought we went toe-to-toe with them.

“We had the better chances in the game and the more clear-cut chances. 

“We should have come away with something. A little bit of quality for their goal has been the difference.

“We were wasteful in the moments we did have.”

Should you have had a penalty in the first half?

“I’m not sure. It looked really close. I don’t know – the foul looked like it could have been on the line. 

“In the second half, there was a similar situation down on the right with Chislett after he goes past the same player. 

“It was a clear foul and a second yellow card, but the referee doesn’t give it – it’s another game changer there.

“It’s a game of fine margins. They’re top of the league, and we’re 10th in the league, and we have come and gone toe-to-toe with them.

“It was just tiny little margins have gone against us today. We could be walking away from here with a result easily, in my opinion.”

Very busy transfer window. Feel as though you have a stronger squad?

“I think we have a lot of depth. We lost some really good players in the window – there is no getting away from it.

“But I’m really happy with the guys that we have brought in and the business that we have done.

“It puts us in a good position in the second half of the season now. I have a squad to utilise. 

“We saw today that Hus Biler had to go off with an injury, so we’re going to need everyone and depth of squad if we want to make a decent push in the second half.”

What was Hus’ injury?

“It looks like a hamstring. Not sure how serious, but he pulled up straight away holding it.”

How big of a blow would that be if it is serious?

“He’s been great. Today, just things went against us in key moments.

“Losing Hus early is a blow, and there were a few other moments which could have gone a different way and didn’t.”

Chislett disappointed not to take that chance?

“Of course, Chis knows that it is a great chance.

“It’s the most clear-cut chance of the game. Score that and go 1-0 up, who knows? We win and lose together.

“Chis has been brilliant all season and gets in good positions. He should get his man sent off today with his good play and the positions he gets in and the problems he creates for the opposition.

“It summed up our day. The openings that we did carve out – some good ones as well – we just weren’t able to take.”

Take solace from going toe-to-toe once again with a side at the top of League Two?

“Absoltluty. It’s been two good games with them. We comfortably beat them at home. Today, we were a match for them. It’s just not gone our way today for whatever reason.

“We have to accept it – they’re a good team.

“On paper, we’re expected to come here and lose, but we never felt like that. We came here and wanted to win and compete – we showed that we can.”

A month ago at Sutton, you were frustrated by the options from the bench. Feel the squad is in a better place now?

“You saw the changes – the attacking subs – that we made today. They had a positive impact on the game, and that’s what I felt like I didn’t have.

“Now we have different options off the bench.”

Feel this squad can push on for the play-offs in the second half of the season?

“I think we can have a strong second half to the season.

“Where that takes us? I don’t know. What I do know is that on our day, I feel as though we’re good enough to match any team in the league.

“You have seen that today. These are top. They’re top for a reason – they’re a good side. 

“For my mind, we have more than matched them today.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON