Johnnie Jackson savours way Wimbledon executed professional away job at Harrogate

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Johnnie Jackson labelled AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win at Harrogate on Tuesday night as “comfortable” as they picked up their third League Two win on the bounce.

The Dons claimed all three points thanks to Omar Bugiel’s outside-of-the-foot strike from the edge of the box in the sixth minute.

Ex-Charlton Athletic boss Jackson named an unchanged side from the 4-1 win at home to Tranmere on Saturday as Wimbledon moved up to second in the fourth tier, just three points behind league leaders Notts County.

“It’s one of my favourite scorelines in football – the 1-0 away from home,” Jackson told Wimbledon’s YouTube channel. “A clean sheet at a tough place to come on a Tuesday night – it’s a long way from home.

“That’s why we got carried away after. To send them (the fans) home with the three points, we were all delighted with that one.

“It was a tough game on Saturday. You’re looking at it and wondering whether you need to freshen it up, but everyone came in on Monday and was raring to go,

“Winning helps with that. It gave me the confidence that they could go again. Everyone wants to play when it’s going well.

“We went with the same team and it’s worked. We made changes in the game but the lads who came on and saw it out for us were outstanding.

“We had a really solid defensive structure. Although the scoreline wasn’t comfortable, I felt really comfortable in the game.

“As far as one-nils go, it’s as comfortable a one-nil as you will see.

“We spoke about how tough this week was going to be, and we’re going to get back late, but when you have got three points in the bag, it makes it much sweeter.”

Bugiel, 29, joined the Dons on a free transfer from Sutton United in the summer and bagged his first league goal for the club at Wetherby Road.

“He’s got that in the locker,” said Jackson. “He does practice it. I’m pleased for him.

“He does all the dirty work. I think he takes as much pleasure from setting a team-mate up as he does scoring, but he’s capable of scoring more goals.

“When you have got the ability to finish and the technique he has got, why not take the shots on?”

Ali Al-Hamadi – the hat-trick hero from the Tranmere match – will miss the home clash against Bradford on October 14 after being called up on international duty by Iraq, who take on Qatar and Iran in the Jordan International Tournament.

Goalkeeper Nik Tzanev, who has lost his starting spot in the side since Alex Bass arrived on loan from Sunderland, has also been called up for New Zealand’s friendlies against DR Congo and Australia.

One more call-up would allow the Dons to postpone the game.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD