Johnnie Jackson reacts as AFC Wimbledon end League Two winless run with victory over Walsall

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson said his side fully deserved their 2-0 win over Walsall at Plough Lane on Tuesday evening.

The Dons took the lead in the 58th minute when the towering Will Nightingale met Armani Little’s corner to plant his first goal of the season beyond Owen Evans.

Wimbledon secured all three points in the 74th minute when substitute Ali Al-Hamadi bundled the ball over the line from a goal-mouth scramble.

The ex-Wycombe forward – who was forced off in the 87th minute with an injury – has now bagged seven times in League Two since joining the South Londoners in the summer.

Wimbledon moved up to 16th in the table and 14 points clear of danger.

“We should have been a couple up in the first 10 or 15 minutes,” admitted Jackson.

“You were hoping it’s not another one of those nights where you rue missed opportunities and get punished. 

“But we stuck to it. We stuck to our shape and our game plan and continued to press and create. We got the goals we deserved, and we defended our lead really well too.

“It was a really deserved win.”

The victory against Michael Flynn’s side ended Wimbledon’s 11-game winless run in League Two.

“We all want to win,” added Jackson.

“We work hard every single day – my staff and players on the training pitch – to try and implement ways to get results.

“We felt that the lads had been working really hard, and we hadn’t got what we deserved.

“What you have to do is stick to your guns, double down and work harder. It’s tough – especially as a manager – you take the pressure home with you.

“I have tried to stay level. I see these boys every day, and I know they’re giving everything when they step out there.

“I’m just so pleased tonight that they got what they deserved.”