MATTY Stevens said it was a proud day for him and his family after his hat-trick in AFC Wimbledon’s 4-0 win over Carlisle United on Saturday as the Dons made a stunning return to Plough Lane.
Stevens’ brace and a Cameron Harper own goal gave Johnnie Jackson’s side a commanding lead at the break.
Stevens completed his hat-trick five minutes into the second half.
Stevens, 26, joined on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers in the summer and has scored six goals in twelve games.
“I felt good before the game,” Stevens said on Dons TV. “Coming in, I said to my family that I’m going to get a goal and luckily enough I got three. Once I got the second goal, I was very confident I’d get the third.
“Every time I play I just give one hundred per cent. I was brought in to score goals and it’s always nice to hit the back of the net. I love scoring at home as well, so hopefully many more to come at Plough Lane.
“This is my first hat-trick in the league, so it’s a proud moment for myself and my family. I got a couple in non-league, so this is a special one today.
“When I scored on Tuesday [in the 4-3 win] at Crawley in the [EFL] Trophy, I was excited after because there was a game at the weekend and as a striker you feel you can go on a bit of a run. Having got three, I’m a bit gutted that there isn’t a game this Tuesday, but it’s been a nice week’s work, and we go again next Saturday.
“You’ve got to enjoy moments like these though, because they don’t come around often. It’s been an unbelievable day for me.”
It was Wimbledon’s first game at home since their 3-0 win over Milton Keynes on September 14. Plough Lane was hit by flooding last month with over 100,000 litres of water pumped out of the ground.
There was a season-high crowd of 8,331 as Wimbledon’s made it six victories from six at home this season.
“I thought the performance from the team was definitely up there,” Stevens said. “Every player was a man of the match, although I got the award which is always nice, but every one of our players could have got it on this occasion.
“We were on it from the first minute. It was good to score early on, then we had a few chances and should have taken them, but we were creating and then to get the second and the third goal sort of killed the game – but it was a very good performance from all the boys.
“I don’t think Carlisle had a shot in the first half, not on target anyway. That’s credit to the boys. James Ball played in the middle of the three defenders, which is not his natural position, and he was unbelievable. Isaac Ogundere was on the left of the three, but again, outstanding. The shape we played really paid off.”
Stevens had his match-ball signed by the players. He said: “I haven’t actually had chance to study all the comments on the match ball. I can see there’s a few comments, but I won’t read them out loud. It’s very nice to get it though.”
