‘Really confident’ AFC Wimbledon progress to last 16 of EFL Trophy
Johnnie Jackson believed that AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 EFL Trophy win over Sutton United on Tuesday evening showed that he can rely on his whole squad.
The Dons took the lead through Kyle Hudlin in the 17th minute. Jack Currie intercepted a loose pass and drove towards goal. The Wimbledon left-back crossed along the face of goal, and the Huddersfield Town loanee kept his shot low and drilled the ball past Sutton keeper Jack Rose.
Sutton had more shots and possession than Jackson’s side, but the Dons held on to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games and book their place in the last 16 of the competition.
Wimbledon’s last defeat in a professional outing came at the hands of Sutton on October 15.
“The main aim of the evening was to get through the next round,” said Jackson. “We wanted to advance, and we have done that.
“It was a tough game. A really tough game against a side who make it difficult for you. We had moments where we had to defend our penalty box, and we did that really, really well.
“My squad is in a really confident place. We’re on a decent run, we’re going well in the league and we’re through to the last 16 of this competition.
“When that next tie comes around, we will be trying to get into the quarter-final and we will be approaching it to win. We will pick a team that reflects that.”
Jackson made multiple changes from last Saturday’s 2-0 win away to Tranmere Rovers, with Hudlin, Alife Bendle, Luke Jenkins, Alex Pearce, Currie, George Marsh, Courtney Senior and Quaine Bartley all coming in.
“I was impressed with everyone tonight,” added Jackson. “It was an opportunity for me to use my squad and to get games for lads who haven’t had many opportunities, but I always put a team out that is capable of winning any game of football.
“That’s been proven today. I just know that I can rely on them all. If there are injuries or suspensions, which there will be with the schedule that we have, I’m going to have to utilise the whole squad.
“It’s brilliant for me as a manager to know that I can rely on those guys.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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