‘Outstanding’ – AFC Wimbledon boss agrees with question about Matty Stevens after Carlisle hat-trick

Johnnie Jackson agreed that Matty Stevens’ hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Carlisle on Saturday showed why AFC Wimbledon have chased the striker in previous windows.

The Dons wanted to sign Stevens – who fired Forest Green to League One in the 2021-22 season – in January 2023 on loan. 

But the striker went to Walsall instead.

Wimbledon snapped up the 26-year-old as a free agent this summer and he netted his first hat-trick in the win over Mike Williamson’s side on Saturday at Plough Lane.

Ex-Barnet forward Stevens scored two goals in the first half and secured the match ball in the 50th minute.

“He did,” said Jackson, when asked if Stevens’ performance showed why the Dons had tried to sign him in recent windows.

“He’s been excellent since he came to the club. He gets the plaudits today because of the goals, and that’s what strikers want to be known for, but his all-round game today was excellent.

“He was outstanding.

“It’s brilliant for a striker to get a hat-trick. 

“He deserves it because he’s a great lad who works hard for the team.

“You can talk about his goals today, but it’s what he brings to the team with his energy and the way he presses. 

“He’s one of those lads where if you give him a job to do, he just does it.

“I’m delighted for him today.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS