Sam Hutchinson makes Notts County play-off admission as AFC Wimbledon seal top seven spot at Grimsby

Sam Hutchinson says the pressure is off AFC Wimbledon heading into their play-off double header against Notts County.

The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder scored the only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over Grimsby to seal Wimbledon’s spot in the top seven.

Johnnie Jackson’s side head to Notts County on Saturday and then host Stuart Maynard’s side the following Saturday.

“I felt like rubbish during the game,” said the 35-year-old.

“But I was happy to get it over the line. I wanted to come off after six minutes but battered on through it like an old war horse.

“It was a good time to score. Because I get one a season from the last nine or 10 years, I just wanted to enjoy it.

“The boys handled the pressure and got the job done – that’s all that matters at this stage of the season.

“The pressure is off now. We have had so much pressure for the last six weeks and it hasn’t really gone our way for whatever reason. 

“We know what has happened internally but we’re looking forward to it.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD