‘Outstanding’ – Johnnie Jackson’s delight as Dons hit five past Portsmouth to secure EFL Trophy progression
Johnnie Jackson labelled AFC Wimbledon’s 5-2 EFL Trophy second round win at Portsmouth on Tuesday night as “outstanding” after they knocked out League One leaders Portsmouth.
The Dons raced into a three-goal lead before the 30-minute mark. Aron Sasu, who bagged his first senior goal for the club, Josh Davison and Alex Pearce all found the back of the net.
Kusini Yengi scored before half-time for the hosts but Harry Pell restored the advantage soon after the break when he scored a free-kick from the edge of the box.
Portsmouth found a way back through Gavin Whyte. Substitute Ali Al-Hamadi bagged Wimbledon’s fifth in the 89th minute to book their place in the third round against League One Oxford United.
“As mad as it sounds, we should have won by more,” Jackson told the club’s YouTube channel.
“It was an outstanding performance from my team from start to finish. To come here against a team who are flying – they’re top of League One and John Mousinho has them playing some brilliant stuff – I’m delighted to get through.
“Sasu was brilliant during pre-season and he forced our hand to keep him around the group.
“Some of his chances of late have been limited, but I have been on at him about his first goal.
“For someone as good as him, it’s taken too long. He was a menace the way he got at them.
“I have just said to the lads in the dressing room: ‘On our day, we’re capable of mixing it with anyone. We have shown that throughout the season’. We don’t fear anyone and we want to go as far as we can in the competition.”
Jackson made 10 changes for the EFL Trophy clash after Saturday’s goalless draw at Salford.
“All these boys who have been waiting for their chance have taken it ,” he said. “It’s given me a real headache in terms of only being able to pick 11 [for Friday’s match at Crawley].
“But that’s what you want. You want to be able to make 10 changes and it still look like a Wimbledon team – that’s what we got tonight.
“I couldn’t be more pleased.”
PICTURES: LUCY DIXON
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
