Riley Harbottle delighted to open scoring account for AFC Wimbledon – and his goal could be a huge one
The goal gave Wimbledon a lead to bring back to Plough Lane for Saturday’s decider, with a place at Wembley and a shot at promotion on the line.
They face a Notts County side without top scorer Alassana Jatta, who was sent off near the end of the first leg for a two-footed challenge on Alistair Smith.
The Nottingham native netted six League Two goals in 32 games for Mansfield Town in the 2022-23 season while on loan from Nottingham Forest, but says his changing role with the Dons has affected his opportunities to attack the goal.
“I have had to do different roles this season,” said the 24-year-old. “If you look at my past career, when I played at Mansfield I scored six that season from corners and crosses, so I know I have got that in my locker.
“I am happy to be allowed to go and attack the ball and score the goals and set up as well. It is a thing I like to do, but as long as the team is winning that is the main thing.
“I have taken corners this year and I have done different roles, which the team has needed me to do. I am happy to do whatever the team needs if we are winning games.”
The centre-back is approaching 70 appearances in League Two over three seasons, having failed to break into the first-team at Nottingham Forest and Hibernian. He impressed on loan at Mansfield and Colchester before signing for the Dons permanently in the summer.
“This is my third season playing professional football,” said Harbottle. “My first season at Mansfield could not have gone any better, I really enjoyed my time there and I absolutely love that club for everything they did for me.
“Then the season after did not go as you want it to and I learned a lot about myself and my character. I feel like I have got a lot of experience at a young age to help the squad.”
