‘Positive result’ – Johnnie Jackson delivers verdict on AFC Wimbledon’s 1-1 draw with Wrexham

BY CONOR KEENAN

Johnnie Jackson is confident the “wins will come” following AFC Wimbledon’s entertaining 1-1 draw with Wrexham in their opening home league game of the season – a result he believed was a fair one.

The Dons have drawn both of their opening two games of the League Two season following a 0-0 draw away to Grimsby on the opening day of the season but delivered a dramatic EFL Cup upset midweek with a 2-1 victory over Championship side Coventry.

Wimbledon had to come from behind against the Welsh side following Elliot Lee’s deflected goal in the first half meant Jackson’s men went in 1-0 down at the break.

The Dons responded with a strong second-half performance and despite a second penalty miss in as many league games from Ali Al Hamadi in the 66th minute, the hosts were awarded a second penalty in the 81st minute after Eoghan O’Connell fouled substitute Harry Pell in the penalty area.

James Tilley made no mistake with the spot kick, rifling it into the top left corner.

“We’ve been capable of winning every game,” said Jackson.

“These are good teams that we’ve come up against and we’ve had positive results, so if you said at the start that we’re going to have the week we did, everyone will be pleased with that.

“The wins will come because the level of performance is there. With the players and the squad I’ve got, we’re not worried about where the wins are coming from”.

Jackson was pleased with the fight his side showed in the second half, admitting he was unhappy to go into half-time trailing the National League champions.

He added: “We weren’t happy going in. We didn’t feel like we deserved to be down at half-time, but the lads responded second half and came out with real urgency.

“There were periods where I felt we could go on and win it, but I’d say a draw is a fair result.”

Jackson, however, shared frustration around new FA rules surrounding discipline for coaching staff on the sideline. One member of the Dons backroom staff was booked in the second half, and Jackson himself was shown a yellow card for questioning the decision.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was also cautioned later in the half.

“It’s a load of nonsense really,” said the Dons boss

“The fourth official is too worried about what’s going on in the technical area and not trying to help the referee on the pitch. It’s an emotional game.

“Show me a technical staff like ours there that won’t jump up in certain moments and show emotion. We can’t sit there like robots and lose the emotion, so it doesn’t sit well with me.”

Wimbledon travel to Colchester on Tuesday night before a short trip to face South London neighbours Sutton United next Saturday.

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON