Johnnie Jackson: Dons’ plight makes them a tougher test for Charlton Athletic

Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson reckons that AFC Wimbledon’s current plight will make them a tougher challenge at Plough Lane tomorrow night.

The fixture has twice been rescheduled with the Addicks initially having Covid cases over the Christmas period and then they were able to push it back further due to Chris Gunter’s international call-up last month.

The Dons have not won in 22 matches and are now four points adrift of safety. They do have a game in hand on 20th-placed Gillingham.

“They are obviously in a tough spot but they are not completely adrift,” Jackson told the South London Press. “If they can pick up a few results they will be able to reel some [other clubs] in.

“They have made a managerial change and I think it made a difference at the weekend. They were a couple of minutes away from getting a good point at Sheffield Wednesday and they looked a bit of a different team.

“It has changed the complexion of the fixture, for sure. It is not going to be easy – they are fighting for their lives and a new manager will have them up for it. It ain’t straightforward.

“It definitely makes them more dangerous. They are going to be scrapping for their lives. With that comes challenges, but we have to concentrate on us. It is not our issue. We have to worry about us and deal with whatever comes our way. We know that we’re going to be in for a difficult game.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS