Dons boss explains defender’s half-time withdrawal in Chesterfield draw

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson said it was a tactical decision to take Ryan Johnson off at half-time in their 0-0 draw with Chesterfield on Friday due to the defender being on a yellow card.

Johnson, who had made 35 appearances in the league this season before Friday’s clash, was taken off in at half-time with the scoreline goalless.

He picked up a booking in the 31st minute.

Veteran Sam Hutchinson came on in place of Johnson and completed the back three with Joe Lewis and Riley Harbottle.

“We have to recover quickly because Monday’s game against Gillingham will be here before we know it,” said Jackson.

“Ryan came off at half-time because he was on a yellow card and he didn’t have another foul in him. 

“Against a team like Chesterfield who can break on you quickly, I felt that it might be an issue.

“He’s fine.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD