Three takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup 2-0 loss to Chesterfield – Winter window decisions loom as unbeaten run comes to an end

A goal before half time from Armando Dobra and a spectacular cross from Jeff King – which caught Nik Tzanev out by surprise – knocked the Dons out of the FA Cup and booked the National League side’s spot in the third round.

Here are Edmund Brack’s takeaways from Plough Lane:

ONE GAME TOO MANY – A WEEK’S REST HAS COME AT A GOOD POINT

It’s been an outstanding turnaround in AFC Wimbledon’s season, but the performance on Saturday showed that Jackson’s players had given their all in the previous 10 outings before taking on Paul Cook’s National League high-flyers.

It was a lethargic display throughout at Plough Lane, with Chesterfield nullifying many of the attacking threats that the Dons had honed since the 1-0 defeat in League Two to Sutton United.

A large part of their recent success had been fast build-up play and putting their opponents to the sword on the counterattack.

But against a stubborn Chesterfield side, who well deserved their place in the next round, there was a lack of urgency and movement to assert their League Two dominance.

The build-up play was passive, and the Dons were more than happy to let their opponents have the ball in the centre of the pitch. This allowed Chesterfield midfielder Darren Oldaker to run the show and play several clever passes into dangerous positions.

Josh Davison has worked himself into the ground over recent weeks – hassling every opposition defender and chasing down every long ball sent towards his direction – but he was unable to display the same endeavour on Saturday.

The midfield duo of Alex Woodyard and Paris Maghoma didn’t get a foothold in the game, and Harry Pell couldn’t deploy his usual sneaky antics to help the Dons get fired up for the contest.

After 11 games in 35 days, a few days break before the league recommences against Grimsby Town will be the perfect opportunity for Jackson’s squad to replenish their energy levels and prepare themselves for the six games in December.

MISSED CHANCES 

When Wimbledon were presented with chances, they failed to take them. The best chance of the first half fell to Ethan Chislett.

While the South African did well to react quickest to latch onto Isaac Ogundere’s header back into the box, he was forced wide by keeper Ross Fitzsimmons and couldn’t squeeze the ball home from a tight angle.

The visitors took the lead 10 minutes later, leaving the Dons to rue their missed opportunity.

During the second half, Harry Pell, who has been one of the main protagonists for Jackson in helping the Dons regain their ruthless edge, blazed his effort over the bar.

The summer signing collected Huseyin Biler’s cross inside the area but failed to bring the ball under his spell and lifted his shot over the bar.

Chesterfield eventually wrapped up the tie when Jeff King’s cross was hit so well that it caught Nik Tzanev by surprise and looped into the net.

Jackson’s side just could not get started on Saturday.

WINTER WINDOW LOOMING – DECISIONS NEED TO BE MADE

The Dons are just five points off the play-offs following their resurgence, and there should be a desire to see how far this group of players can reach in the fourth division.

They have shown that they’re more than a match for the league’s table-toppers – brushing aside Leyton Orient 2-0 – and key players are returning from injury, with Nathan Young-Coombes, Paul Osew, Lee Brown and Will Nightingale still to come back from injury.

But, looking at Wimbledon’s bench on Saturday, it showed that Jackson needs more options at his disposal. 

With it being uncertain whether Kyle Hudlin will stay beyond the January window, with Huddersfield blocking the forward from being available in the FA Cup and his game time limited in the league, another senior forward who can come on and change the game is needed.

With Wimbledon’s pursuit of Danny Hylton and John Marquis well documented over the summer, a more experienced professional who can come on for the closing stages of a game and keep their composure in front of goal could make the world of difference to this side.

Another creative midfielder who can unlock defences could also be required, with Luke McCormick never fully replaced over the summer.

Youngsters Alfie Bendle, Quaine Bartley and David Fisher, could also all benefit from loans, but the small squad has limited their ability to gain senior football on a regular basis.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD