JOE Lewis reckons AFC Wimbledon’s squad will all play their part during the hectic run of upcoming festive fixtures.
The Dons go into Friday’s trip to Crawley in the final play-off spot following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Salford City.
Boxing Day sees a local derby with Sutton United at Plough Lane before Colchester arrive in SW17 three days later.
Then comes a New Year’s Day trip to Forest Green ahead of a home FA Cup clash with Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town on 6 January.
Five games in just over a fortnight will keep every member of Johnnie Jackson’s side on their toes, something Lewis knows full well, with the defender already feeling the work put in at Salford.
He told the club’s website: “It was a bit of a tiring one as there was a lot to do, particularly in the last half hour.
“That’s football at this time of the season – you rest and recover and get ready for the next game.
“The festive season is always busy, but this one in particular is pretty hectic, even by other seasons’ standards.
“We’ve got to be on it and make sure everyone is ready, as the whole squad is going to be needed and it’ll be a real team effort.“
Wimbledon coped well with the Salford pitch and Lewis believes they did more than enough to win the game.
He explained: “Possibly we should be talking about all three points, but it happens.
“There are occasions where we may not put the chances away that we could have. That’s going to happen this season.
“I think from our point of view, it’s a great defensive performance and a great performance as a team really.
“We’ve got to keep holding on to the fact that we’re playing really well and we’ve been picking up a lot of points lately and this was no different.”
Lewis added: “We were clearly the dominant side and been unlucky not to come away with all three points.
“I think on a lot of occasions we’re coming to places and grinding out results.
“This wasn’t one of those occasions as we were clearly dominant.
“We had a lot of the ball, played some great football, possibly some of the best football we’ve played this season.
“The away form has been good and as of late the home form has as well.”
Manager Jackson also couldn’t fault the display at Salford.
The Dons chief said: “I have to say that the performance was outstanding.
“We’ve come to a tough place and dominated. We created plenty of chances and limited them to next to nothing.
“I’m really proud but frustrated that we didn’t put the finishing touches on what we deserved.
“It’s what the lads out there would’ve deserved and the supporters who travelled.”
