After AFC Wimbledon eliminated League One leaders Portsmouth on Tuesday night, Johnnie Jackson called the team’s 5-2 EFL Trophy second round victory at Portsmouth “outstanding.”
Before thirty minutes had passed, the Dons had already scored three goals. Josh Davison, Alex Pearce, and Aron Sasu—who scored the team’s first goal for a senior—all found the back of the net.
The home team’s goal came from Kusini Yengi just before halftime, but Harry Pell’s free kick from the edge of the box shortly after gave the visitors the lead again.
Portsmouth used Gavin Whyte to find a way back. In the 89th minute, substitute Ali Al-Hamadi scored Wimbledon’s fifth goal to secure their spot in the third round, where they will take on League One Oxford United.
As crazy as it seems, Jackson said on the team’s YouTube page, “We should have won by more.”
“My team had an amazing performance from beginning to end. I’m excited to win because they’re a top-seeded team in League One under John Mousinho, and they’re doing some amazing stuff.
“Sasu was outstanding in the preseason and made it necessary for us to have him close to the team.
Although he hasn’t had many opportunities lately, I have been berating him for not scoring his first goal.
It’s taken much too long for someone as talented as him. The manner he approached them made him a threat.
“We’re capable of mixing it with anyone on our day,” I told the guys in the dressing room. We have demonstrated that all season long. We want to win the competition and we have no fear of anyone.
For the EFL Trophy match, Jackson made ten changes from the goalless draw at Salford on Saturday.
He remarked, “All these boys who were waiting for their chance have seized it.” I’ve got a serious headache because I can only choose 11 players for Friday’s game at Crawley.
That’s what you desire, though. We have a team that can look like a Wimbledon squad even after ten changes, and that’s what we have tonight.
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