‘Arguably he biggest game at the new Plough Lane’ – Johnnie Jackson fired up for Dons’ League Two play-off semi-final decider

Johnnie Jackson reckons that AFC Wimbledon’s League Two play-off decider against Notts County tomorrow could be the biggest match at the new Plough Lane.

The Dons were based at Kingsmeadow when Neal Ardley’s side last won promotion to England’s third tier in 2016.

Jackson has managed to improve Wimbledon’s league finishes every season since being appointed in the summer of 2023, when they had been relegated after six campaigns in League One.

The Dons, who have the 14th biggest wage bill in the division, finished fifth after 46 matches and hold a 1-0 lead over County after Riley Harbottle’s clincher last weekend.

Wimbledon boss Jackson feels that the return should whet the appetite.

“This is why we do it – to be involved in these games,” he said. “It has taken me a while to get to this stage with the club. The club has not been here for a long time – so we need to embrace it.

“Arguably it is the biggest game that the new Plough Lane has seen. I can’t wait.

“It is probably going to be a full house. It is going to be bouncing. Notts are going to bring a load. It’s going to be a special atmosphere down there Saturday.

“We need to thrive on it which, in the main, we have done this season. We have had some big wins there and some big performances. One more of them and we’ll be there.

“We’ve got to be calm and composed as well because there is always chaos in these play-off games and you’ve got to keep your head when it is going on.”

Notts County will be without top scorer Alassana Jatta after his red card in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time. Wimbledon will be favourites but Jackson has past experiences of ties taking twists.

“At Charlton (when he was assistant manager to Lee Bowyer) we went to Donny and won the first leg but then lost the home one – ended up going to penalties,” said the 42-year-old.

“Crewe were 2-0 down after losing at home to Doncaster last season but still went through.

“There is loads of football left but we’re in a good position. We have to go out to win it – like we did at Grimsby (on the final day of the season). We only needed a draw but you have to go out and win, try to put pressure on other teams. We’re not going to sit back and play for a draw.”

Crystal Palace loanee keeper Owen Goodman kept his 22nd clean sheet of the season and was recently named in the League Two Team of the Season.

“He has definitely improved as the season has gone on and grown in confidence and personality,” said Jackson. “He is quite a quiet lad but he has come out of his shell the more he has been with us.

“Working with Bayzo (Ashley Bayes) as well – he has started to bring out even more positive aspects of his game. He has grown into it and done brilliantly with the clean sheets he has had but he is also playing behind the meanest defence, which he is obviously part of as well.”

PICTURE: ALAMY