Johnnie Jackson delighted after AFC Wimbledon come out on top in ‘really tight’ Salford clash

AFC Wimbledon moved up to second in the League Two table after a 1-0 win over play-off hopefuls Salford in the early Saturday kick-off.

The first half was a scrappy affair, both sides looking to pick up points in their fight to continue their promotion charge.

But Wimbledon had the better chances, with Marcus Browne, Jake Reeves and Josh Neufville all testing Salford stopper Jamie Jones from the edge of the box.

Wimbledon broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when a counter-attack saw Brown win the ball inside his own half and break Matty Stevens away into clear space.

The striker had an age to think about where he was going to place the ball but kept his composure to net his 16th League Two goal of the season.

Salford almost went close to equalising just seconds after Wimbledon took the lead, but Owen Goodman denied Carl Stockton with his legs to keep his clean sheet intact.

James Tilley then went inches away from doubling the lead when his left-footed shot from distance cracked off the post.

But Wimbledon secured their 16th clean sheet of the season to secure all three points.

Johnnie Jackson’s side are unbeaten in 2025 and have lost just once in their last 15 league outings. 

“It’s a great win because they’re a good side,” said Jackson.

“It was a really tight game. It was very close and I thought it would be – the team maybe stayed a bit more concentrated and didn’t make a mistake that won.

“I wanted my team to stay concentrated – even if we got a 0-0 – because that’s what we needed to do.

“To come out the right side of it in a real tight one is pleasing.

“Today couldn’t have gone any better. Having the early kick-off and getting one on the board early.

“We can watch the results come in now with a small on your face.

“It was a big win. We’re a good team and going in the right direction. We need to keep doing what we’re doing.”

PICTURE: ALAMY