‘We’re still in the fight’ – Johnnie Jackson assesses AFC Wimbledon’s goalless draw with Chesterfield
Johnnie Jackson was not disappointed with AFC Wimbledon’s goalless draw with Chesterfield as his side are still in the fight for automatic promotion.
Both sides had chances to take the first-half lead at Plough Lane.
Michael Olakigbe and Aribim Pepple both tested Owen Goodman from close range in the first 10 minutes of the encounter.
While Omar Bugiel and Josh Kelly had efforts saved by Chesterfield stopper Ryan Boot as they looked to put Jackson’s side in front.
The Dons boss rolled the dice multiple times in order to claim the three points they were looking for to consolidate their play-off spot and close the gap to automatic promotion.
Aron Sasu, Osman Foyo and Joe Pigott all came on in the second half as the former Charlton boss shook up his forward line.
The South Londoners went close in the 81st minute when Foyo’s hook back towards goal had Boot scrambling back towards his own line.
Alistair Smith also tested Boot from distance, but the Dons were forced to settle for a point.
Jackson’s side are four points off Bradford in third.
Picture: Keith Gillard
“They’re a good team,” said Jackson.
“We were never going to blow this team away. We pushed and we tried to win it.
“I can’t be disappointed with the lads. We wanted to win the game to put ourselves in a better position, but with three games to go, we’re still in it and fighting for the automatic spots.
“It’s a credit to the players. They did everything to try and win. We were the better team in the second half.
“We limited them to very little and I don’t think they had a shot on target.
“If there was going to be a winner in the second half, it was going to be us. But if you go gung-ho, they will pick you off.
“We’re not at that stage where we needed to do that.
Picture: Keith Gillard
“If we didn’t get a point today, it looks different again. I’m not going to say I’m happy with the point, but I respect the opposition and I think they’re an excellent team.
“Drawing against them isn’t a disgrace.”
