Talking points from Dons’ 2-1 loss to Cheltenham Town – Jackson’s side faltering as finish line comes into view
Here are Edmund Brack’s talking points from Plough Lane:
DONS FALTERING
Wimbledon would have moved into third place if they had taken three points on Tuesday night.
With the Robins quick out of the gate at Plough Lane on Tuesday and Ashley Hay putting them a nose ahead after 24 minutes, Wimbledon had to saddle up for a fightback (that’s enough of the Cheltenham Festival puns).
They equalised through James Tilley before half-time and completely dominated the second half but could only register two shots on target during that period.
Matty Taylor put Cheltenham back ahead with 11 minutes left which meant that Wimbledon missed the chance to put automatic promotion in their own hands after losing their game in hand.
With just one win in six matches, they will need to rediscover their form from the start of the calendar year and hope their rivals slip up at the last hurdle.
STEVENS AND BUGIEL OFF THE GOAL TRAIL
It is now six League Two games without a goal for top scorer Matty Stevens.
Stevens, who has been lethal for the Dons this season, had a chance in the ninth minute when he was played through on goal but, on his weaker left foot, he was unable to get a shot off at Joe Day’s goal.
The ex-Forest Green striker mishit an effort in the 26th minute when he made a good decision to peel away from the Cheltenham defence to meet Isaac Ogundere’s cutback on the edge of the box.
However, his pressing brought Wimbledon back into the game in the 36th minute when he won the ball off Sam Stubbs halfway inside the Cheltenham area and played through Josh Neufville to set up Tilley.
But Stevens was unable to get a sight of goal in the second half and was replaced by Josh Kelly with 14 minutes of normal time remaining.
As for forward partner Omar Bugiel, who has just three goals to his name in the league, it’s now 16 games since he last found the back of the net in the fourth tier.
Deployed as a battering ram and someone who has the technical ability and awareness to bring others into play, there is probably no-one better in the league with those skill sets, but Jackson needs the Lebanese forward to rediscover his scoring touch should the Dons want to secure their automatic spot.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Tomorrow’s trip to Carlisle signals the start of the final 10 League Two games of Wimbledon’s season.
Jackson’s side will be expected to collect maximum points with the Cumbrians at the bottom of the table and cut adrift from safety.
There are two crucial fixtures in the run-in which could define whether the Dons have to prepare for two extra games plus a Wembley final or if they have sealed promotion come the evening of April 26.
Wimbledon head to league leaders Walsall, who are winless in their last four and seeing their points gap at the top of the table dissipate, at the end of the month.
But the critical outing may come on April 12 when they travel to third-placed Doncaster, who are two points ahead.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD