Johnnie Jackson discusses knife-edge race and squad depth after AFC Wimbledon keep pressure on automatic promotion places

Share this article

By Georgia Garnett at Plough Lane

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson lauded his team’s performance in their 1-0 victory against Bradford City at Plough Lane on Saturday afternoon.

James Tilley’s early header was the match’s only goal and extended Wimbledon’s unbeaten streak to seven games, still unbeaten in 2025. 

The win elevated the Dons to fourth place in League Two, within two points of the automatic promotion spots with at least a game in hand on the teams above.

Speaking after the win, Jackson said: “I’m pleased to play against a team like Bradford and come out with a result and a clean sheet like that.

“We showed some real flashes of quality, but we were up against a tough opponent that caused some problems and when they did, we dealt with it.

“We know Bradford were going to come out at half-time and take the game to us to try and get back into it, but we were ready for that. There were a couple of moments, but we saw and we weathered that and then we grew back into the game.”

Jackson praised the crowd at Plough Lane.

He added: “We love playing here, it’s playing in front of your own supporters and the way that they get behind us is obviously a major, major, major factor. 

“I think the lads love it and you know, we get great crowds and they really get behind the team. I think it just suits us to play here.

“It’s difficult for the opposition to come here and we can be really, really positive and proactive, but we managed to pick up points on the road as well.

“There’s always a good atmosphere, especially as Bradford bought a lot as well, and I think that adds to it. It had a big-game sort of feel because of that and the atmosphere and knowing that we were against a tough opponent, so we’re really enjoying playing at home at the minute.”

Now, well into the second half of the League Two season, the Dons’ ambitions lie squarely in securing promotion. 

The Dons have netted 48 points from 27 games and find themselves on the brink of the automatic promotion places, with a game in hand on league leaders Walsall and third-place Notts County and two games on second-place Doncaster.

For Jackson, the team must focus on one game at a time. 

He said: “The league’s so tight that every three points is going to be really crucial so we recognised that we were going into a significant game, but that doesn’t mean next week is not just as significant.

“With every game the closer you get to the end of the season, they’ll become even more important.”

That means the whole squad will be crucial, with nineteen games left to play. 

Jackson added: “Depth is vital and it’s important that lads get opportunities as well. The easy thing when you’re playing well like we are is to just grind out the same team, but I felt [the 1-1 draw at Crewe Alexandra] was an opportunity to freshen it up.

“We made some more changes and that’ll continue to be the case, especially when you’ve got a quick turnaround between games. So we’re going to need every single one of them.

“If we’re going to try and achieve anything this season, everyone on the team has a role to play.”

Wimbledon travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

DON’T MISS A THING

Get the latest news for South London direct to your inbox once a week.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Share this article