‘It’s going to be a massive ask’ – Dons boss makes League Two automatic promotion admission after Gillingham defeat

AFC Wimbledon missed their chance to secure a League Two play-off spot on Easter Monday as they lost 1-0 at mid-table Gillingham.

The Dons are all but out of contention now to win automatic promotion to League One, with Johnnie Jackson’s side needing to win their two remaining games and hope that Walsall and Bradford lose both of their outings.

Gillingham took the lead in the 64th minute when Bradley Dack picked up the ball from Remeao Hutton inside the penalty area.

Ex-Sunderland attacker Dack quickly played through substitute Joseph Gbode, who smashed a first-time effort beyond Owen Goodman to put Gareth Ainsworth’s side ahead.

Wimbledon nearly found a way back into it instantly when Omar Bugiel won a battle from a long ball forward and knocked the ball down for Aron Sasu to chase. 

However, the Croydon-born Norwegian youngster was unable to apply the finishing touch.

Ryan Johnson went close in the 73rd minute to draw level, but the defender headed James Tilley’s free-kick just wide of Glenn Morris’ goal.

Wimbledon registered zero shots on target throughout the 90 minutes at The Priestfield Stadium.

“It’s realistically going to be a massive ask to get in that top three now,” said Jackson.

“We will keep fighting and try to win those two games left. What we have to do is consolidate our position in the play-offs. 

“We have a good opportunity to get promoted out of this league, but today is a missed opportunity – we’re really disappointed with how it went.

“We started well and we were in control in the first half – there was lots to like. We looked decent in the opening, but I was really disappointed with the second half – we looked poor.

“I know the lads are disappointed. We haven’t done enough in our moments throughout the game. 

“In the second half, we dipped below our level and it cost us.”

Wimbledon have won just one of their last six League Two games and are four points from dropping outside of the play-offs.

They host automatic promotion hopefuls Port Vale on Saturday.

“The boys are gutted and despondent,” added the former Charlton boss.

“I get it. It’s a really frustrating one. I have to watch the second half back and see why we didn’t maintain our levels.

“We need to be better than that and we have been for the vast majority of the season.

“We have to stick together. Today stings and it’s disappointing because of the lack of quality we showed in the second half.

“We have to show our true selves if we’re going to get to where we want to get to.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD