AFC Wimbledon’s home woes returned this past Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Bradford City, and dropped out of the playoff places in what is a hugely competitive League Two.
Forced into making two changes, Ali Al-Hamadi away with Iraq, and central defender Ryan Johnson ruled out with a niggling neck injury picked up during training, the Dons have just six points from their first half a dozen home games. Something that will have to be corrected if they are to maintain a challenge near the top.
Woeful Home Record
Manager Johnnie Jackson knew this was a game that could’ve been different, but too many players went missing on the day, and they could not match their visitors physically.
He told the Official Club website after the game. “We had enough chances to win the game, let alone get something. They had two chances in the whole game, it’s frustrating and hard to take. We’ve had four of five clear-cut chances. We have to be disappointed that we’ve come away with nothing.”
The loss was only the second of the league season, so it’s not all doom and gloom as it has been the past couple of years for the Plough Lane faithful. They are though a group of supporters that have not seen many wins since returning to Wimbledon.
Here’s everything that Johnnie had to say after yesterday’s game 💬#AFCW 🟡🔵 https://t.co/ATPMGWzppq pic.twitter.com/Il2T3MvQr9
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) October 15, 2023
Jackson was left annoyed but had a clear message to his players. “My message to them was that we should be annoyed and frustrated with ourselves. But the last time we lost a game, we went on a really good run after that. We need to see that response again. We don’t become a poor team overnight, we’re a good side. We were dominant today and we have to remember that.”
That chance to start again is at Barrow this coming weekend, a team that is yet to find consistency, but in contrast to Wimbledon, is unbeaten at home.
Writer’s View
League Two is the ultimate marathon, and this will keep everyone at Wimbledon grounded. One poor performance will not define them. And in a tightly congested top half, a good run of results will put a team in a good position for the Christmas period. Jackson will welcome back Al-Hamadi who was missed, and his addition to the team gives everyone a lift.
