JOHNNIE Jackson believes James Tilley has already made a massive impact for AFC Wimbledon following his summer switch from Crawley.
The 25-year-old has started and finished both of the Dons’ League Two games, as well as playing the opening 84 minutes in last week’s League Cup triumph over Coventry.
Tilley stepped up to score the late penalty which secured a 1-1 draw with national media darlings Wrexham at Plough Lane on Saturday.
And his new manager has certainly been impressed with the attacker’s contribution for the Dons cause so far.
Jackson told afcwimbledon.co.uk: “You can see by the minutes that he’s played – normally with wingers they usually get brought off.
“He’s a fit lad that is disciplined in the shape that we want. He’s got bundles of ability.
“He can create, he’s got a lovely left foot and he’s stepped up today with the penalty and put his foot through it.”
Wrexham led at the interval courtesy of Elliot Lee, but Wimbledon were denied midway through the second period when Ali Al-Hamadi saw his penalty saved by veteran keeper Ben Foster.
Tilley made no mistake after Eoghan O’Connell was fouled by Harry Pell nine minutes from time, coolly slotting home from 12-yards.
And although pleased to earn a point, Wimbledon’s goal hero felt things could even have been better.
Tilley explained: “We were a bit disappointed afterwards that we didn’t take all three points, but there were a lot of positives out there so we’ve just got to take that onto Tuesday night at Colchester
“We’ve been building on starting strongly in pre-season and getting at teams straight away.
“I think it showed that out there and we were unlucky to go a goal down.
“Ali is an unbelievable player. I was gutted for him that his penalty was saved, but he’s going to score loads of goals this season.
“When we won the second penalty, I just wanted to take it.
“Lee Brown took the ball, but asked me if I wanted to take it.
“I was confident going up for it, but we’ll see what happens when we next get a penalty.”
