Wimbledon head coach unhappy at Sunderland’s tactics to stop counter attacks
Mark Robinson claimed his AFC Wimbledon were continually fouled by Sunderland players as they looked to counter-attack in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Plough Lane.
Luke McCormick gave the Dons the lead from the spot after 20 minutes. Alex Pritchard levelled 15 minutes later.
Wimbledon stay one point and one place above the League One relegation zone.
Robinson said: “I try not to get frustrated because it’s not a good emotion to have, but there are certain things that I don’t know how to deal with at the moment.
“We’re a team that are great on transition and breaking out and when you are getting continually pulled and dragged in key positions, you lose your advantage.
“It just doesn’t weigh up and there’s nothing I can do about it but it’s those key moments in football where you think ‘how many times were we away today?’ Five again?
“I’m not saying this to make excuses but I’m trying to get my head around it and how I can stay positive with them. Our shape was excellent off the ball and that’s what we do – we break quickly out of shape.
“They talk to the opposing players, sometimes they get a booking and before you know it, they’re back in shape. It just doesn’t weigh up.”
McCormick picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time but the Dons boss was happy with his performance despite the sending off.
Robinson said: “I was really pleased with him. He has been great in that deeper position. You have to wonder if that stemmed from a little bit of frustration.
“The referee had no choice with the second booking, but I look back to the first and Luke has kicked the ball away only half a second after the whistle. You have to wonder if he’s trying to take all the emotion out of the game.
“There were some great moments and there are some things that we need to improve on.
“I don’t think we had a bad player on the pitch. It’s just the decision-making and that extra bit of quality that needs improving.
“If you don’t focus on the performance, the three points won’t come. So, it was refreshing to hear that the fans recognised the performance at the end there.”
PICTURES: LUCY DIXON
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I am a Sunderland supporter of 60 years standing. Since relegation I have been very shocked by the tactics employed by many teams in this league. Many stop at nothing to prevent the few teams who try to play football as it should be played. If Sunderland have finally decided to toughen up and dish out some of the same medicine. Good luck to them I say.