JOHNNIE Jackson has challenged AFC Wimbledon’s attackers to follow in James Tilley’s footsteps and test opposing keepers even more.
Winger Tilley has been in prolific form for the Dons since joining in the summer from Crawley, with seven goals to his name already from eight League Two games.
Add the successful penalty which gave Wimbledon a deserved lead in the Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea last month, you can see why Tilley has been quite a prolific revelation for his new club.
Manager Jackson is delighted so far and now wants more from the rest of Wimbledon’s frontline and go for goal more often.
He told afcwimbledon.co.uk: “Wingers are in the team to create and score goals, to get crosses in and come up with assists – that’s what I want from my forward players.
“I say that to all my players that play in that position – I want positive action.
“If they are in a one-on-one situation, I want them to take players on and to get shots off.
“We need to hit the target more than we have been, that would be my one criticism.
“But the fact we are taking on shots and being really proactive in the final third is something that really pleases me.
“I want to give our forward players that creative license to go and do their thing in the final third.
“They’ve got to do the defensive work behind though – they’re not off the hook! They’re in the team to score goals.
“Tilley is a great example of that so far, and to all our young lads.”
Wimbledon were pegged back deep into stoppage time by Crewe in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Plough Lane.
Tomorrow they are on the road at Walsall and Jackson revealed the squad had collectively analysed what went wrong against Crewe earlier this week.
“We had a meeting on Monday morning,” explained the Dons boss.
“The boys were disappointed because of how well we played, the chances we created and we only had a point to show for it. We recognised that we’ve got to be taking the three points in that situation.
“We looked back at the goals on Monday and the things that maybe we can do differently, of course.
“Then we looked at all the stuff we are doing well – all the chances we created and all of the good play.
“There’s always things you can improve upon, but it reinforces what we’re doing really well.
“It was good for them to see clips from games and the statistics, just to hammer home how close we are and how we should be higher up the table than where we are.”
Meanwhile, Dons youngster Ethan Sutcliffe has joined National League North outfit Kings Lynn on a one-month loan.
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