‘Flat’ – Johnnie Jackson’s assessment following AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup defeat to Chesterfield

Johnnie Jackson labelled his AFC Wimbledon side’s performance as “flat” following their 2-0 FA Cup second-round defeat to National League side Chesterfield.

The visitors took the lead in the 44th minute through Armando Dobra. 

Paul Cook’s side broke at pace, with the ball finding its way to Dorbra just in front of Nik Tzanev’s goal, and the former Ipswich man buried his shot past Tzanev.

The visitors booked their place in the third round in the 76th minute when Jeff King’s cross caught Tzanev out of position and the ball looped into the net.

Wimbledon’s 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions also came to an end following the defeat.

“We’re disappointed to go out,” said Jackson. “It was a pretty flat performance from ourselves, considering where we have been and the run that we have been on.

“We paid the price today of the tough schedule that we have had.

“The run of games has been really gruelling. I was fearing that it might take its toll at some stage.

“Today, even though we had moments and different situations could have been different, overall, that performance wasn’t indicative of where the team has been in the last six weeks.”

Wimbledon’s best opportunity of the second half fell to Harry Pell with 20 minutes remaining. Huseyin Biler drove forward and sent a cross into the box, the ball found its way towards Pell, but in front of Ross Fitzimmons’ goal, he placed his effort over the bar.

“It’s a good chance for Pelly – he would have expected to score that,” added Jackson. “He had a couple. He had one at the back post from an Ethan Chislett free-kick, and obviously the one that he put over [the bar]. 

“It can change the swing of the game if we equalise there. But we haven’t tested the keeper in both of those moments. 

“If you’re Paul Cook, you’re probably saying that his keeper hasn’t had too much to do, even though we have had two gilt-edged chances.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD