Romaine Sawyers nets first goal for AFC Wimbledon as Johnnie Jackson makes admission after win over Newport County

Share this article

ROMAINE Sawyers scored his first goal for AFC Wimbledon as Johnnie Jackson’s side returned to second place in League Two with their 2-1 win at Newport County on Thursday night. 

Sawyers scored the second on 77 minutes to add to Josh Kelly’s 49th-minute opener before substitute Oliver Greaves pulled one back two minutes into stoppage-time. 

It was Sawyers’ first goal since Cardiff City’s 1-0 win at home to Reading in the Championship in February 2023.

Newport dominated the first half but couldn’t the advantage of their chances as the Dons moved up four places in a congested table, twelve points off leaders Walsall.

“It’s always difficult coming here, they’ve proved a difficult opponent, and they did again, but we found a way to win,” Jackson said. 

“The least said about the first half, the better. We were second best, and credit to the opposition.

“We made a tactical switch at half-time, and it worked. I thought we were much better.

“There’s a long way to go, but we are finding a way to win even when we’re not at our best and we’re in a really good position so I’m really pleased.”

Newport head coach Nelson Jardim felt it was an “unfair outcome. 

He said:“We have to focus on the performance because first half it was clear the way we played was exciting and we were creating chances.

“It was just disappointing we didn’t score, if we had been winning by two or three it wouldn’t have been unfair.

“Second half we were the better team, the team who tried to play better football.

“If you see the game as a whole, it is very unfair.”

Wimbledon travel to Fleetwood on Sunday 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