Johnnie Jackson hails AFC Wimbledon’s professionalism in Fleetwood win after midweek EFL Cup victory over Ipswich

Johnnie Jackson believed AFC Wimbledon’s EFL Cup second-round win over Ipswich on Wednesday night took its toll on his side – but praised their professionalism in gaining all three points in their League Two outing on Saturday at home to Fleetwood.

Wimbledon scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute through Josh Nuefville.

The former Sutton winger scored his first League Two goal since the 2-2 draw with Crewe in mid-September 2023 when he collected the ball just inside the area and fired beyond David Harrington.

Jackson’s side should have doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Jake Reeves swung a free-kick into the box, but Joe Lewis could only direct his free header just wide. 

Substitute Matty Stevens then went agonisingly close seconds later, being played through on the counter-attack and failing to beat Harrington one-on-one.

But Wimbledon saw out the three points just three days after their EFL Cup second-round penalty shootout win over Premier League side Ipswich.

“I think it did take it out of them,” said Jackson of the cup win.

“There were some tired boys towards the end. It was so important that we turned up today and had that same mindset and mentality after the quick turnaround. 

“The high of that, the elation and also the output of a game such as that can take its toll – and it did.

“But the mentality of the lads was to turn up here, approach it in the same way, and get the job done. We managed to do that.”

Neufville’s goal was the first time he had scored in League Two since the 2-2 draw with Crewe on September 16, 2023.

“I’m really pleased for Josh,” added Jackson.

“He should score more goals. We want him to get in those positions. It was a great strike from him – we think there is more to come from him playing in that role.

“Today was a lovely bit of individual play to shift the ball and to get a shot off.

“We want more of that. He’s an exciting player. He gets on the ball, runs at people, and he gets assists. 

“He puts the hard work in for that position as well. I’m delighted for Josh that he’s the match winner.”