Wally Downs admits there is still plenty of work to do for AFC Wimbledon

Posted Sunday, December 23, 2018 by PA

Wally Downes insists his AFC Wimbledon side still have work to do despite picking up his first win as manager with a 2-1 Sky Bet League One victory at Wycombe.

Kwesi Appiah and Jake Jervis struck for the visitors but Fred Onyedinma’s late goal for Wanderers left the Dons sweating, eventually holding on for a first away win since September.

It was not enough to move off bottom spot in League One, though Downes knows three points are all that matter in the festive period.

“Everybody knew their roles and responsibilities and put their effort in and played like a team,” he said.

“I couldn’t ask for more from them. If it had been 2-0 I’d have come off and said it was a great performance but, unfortunately, we let the one goal in.

“But we’re only three games into my role. I can only ask that the boys take on board what we’re doing on the training field and implement it on the pitch.

“It’s a results-driven business so getting the first win under me is good for the boys. The result was all important, it’s great to get an away win but I thought the performance warranted that.

“Christmas as a footballer, it’s the life we choose so there are some grumpy girlfriends and wives, but we’re preparing on Christmas Day and recovering over the next couple of days ready for the two home games.”

Appiah volleyed home superbly to get the visitors up and running, but Wycombe put the pressure on as the second half continued.

And it was not until the 90th minute when the game was wrapped up, Jervis firing in his first goal in 364 days to thwart Wycombe’s chances of seven straight home wins.

Onyedinma beat the offside trap to bag a consolation for the hosts – but manager Gareth Ainsworth could not be too disheartened at the strong run ending.

“Right up to the last minute I was thinking we’re going to get something,” he said.

“We did ultimately but we let two in at the other end and if you do that you’ve got a mountain to climb. But I’m really proud of the run we’ve been on.

“They were very direct and physical and the pressure told. It was a set play, typical Wimbledon of old but they deserved it. They did well, probed and pressed us in the first half.

“Sometimes I think we’re lacking that physical presence and Wimbledon took advantage of that. James Hanson was a thorn in the side, he was winning every header, every flick.

“But anyone can beat anyone in this league. People have been coming up to me saying “Oh great season so far,” and I’m saying “No, not a chance”. Until my point tally starts with a five, it’s just a season.”