‘Hurting massively’ – Mark Robinson on AFC Wimbledon’s slump in form

AFC Wimbledon head coach Mark Robinson says that his side’s run of form is hurting him “massively”.

The Dons are one point above the drop zone and winless in 10 League One games. The last time Robinson’s side tasted victory was at Accrington Stanley on December 7.

Wimbledon have secured five draws during that run but they are bottom of the league’s form table and have crucial games against relegation rivals Gillingham and Doncaster coming up.

“It’s hurting me massively,” Robinson told the South London Press when asked about Wimbledon’s run after the defeat to League One leaders Rotherham on Wednesday.

“There have been some good performances in there and you’re not going to judge yourself completely on this [Rotherham] performance.

“I still feel as though there were opportunities for us to be better in the second half, which was disappointing. We need to make sure that we’re ready for Saturday.”

The Dons only had three shots at goal against Rotherham, with Sam Cosgrove’s six-minute strike from outside the box the only one that troubled Josh Vickers.

Wimbledon only managed two touches in Rotherham’s penalty area during the second half.

When asked who he wanted to step up and be the creative outlet for the side, Robinson added: “All of them.

“The way that we play, when we’re at our best, it’s got to be free-flowing, and everyone has to step up, want the ball, be on the front foot and be willing to make those runs when you know that you’re not going to get the ball.

“It’s a collective thing – it’s not just one player. When we’re at our best, it’s because players will make runs knowing that they’re not going to get it – that’s what the best teams do. You have got to be willing to make six or seven runs, and you might only get it once, but you just keep doing it.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game at home to Sunderland, who are pushing for promotion despite not having a permanent manager in charge, Robinson added: “I just concentrated on us, which is being our best. You can’t surmise what mood other teams are going to be in. We have just got to work on us being better.”

Robinson also provided an update on Chelsea loanee Henry Lawrence, who has been missing since he was named on the bench in the 0-0 draw with Morecambe on January 15 after he picked up a hamstring injury.

“He’s back [at Chelsea] for treatment, but he is still our player. He is still a good four or five weeks away.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS