‘Bodies on the line’ -Johnnie Jackson hails AFC Wimbledon players after play-off semi-final first leg win at Notts County

Johnnie Jackson said his AFC Wimbledon players put their bodies on the line to secure a 1-0 advantage in their League Two play-off semi-final against Notts County.

The hosts thought they should have had a penalty in the fourth minute for a Joe Lewis handball inside the area, but referee Thomas Kirk waved play on.

Wimbledon’s first chance of the game came in the 34th minute when former Dons loanee Alex Bass got down well from his left to stop Ryan Johnson’s glancing header from a corner.

Notts County were then halted in their advances to open the deadlock, with Owen Goodman pushing away Conor Grant’s strike inside the area.

Goodman was once again at the start of the second half to deny Grant, who arrived on a David McGoldrick pass inside the box. Riley Harbottle was on hand to deny Alassana Jatta a tap-in from the loose ball just a few yards from goal.

Harbottle then gave Wimbledon the lead in the 59th minute when James Tilley’s cross was sent into the 18-yard box and the former Colchester loanee was given space to head past Bass.

That sparked the tie into life and moments later, Jodie Jones crashed a shot off the post from distance as Stuart Maynard’s side went in search of an equaliser.

Grant had his best chance to score with three minutes of normal time remaining when he was slipped clean through on goal, but after placing the ball over the top of Goodman, Josh Neufville got back to stop the ball going over the line and finding a late equaliser.

There was late drama in the 95th minute as County’s key striker Jatta was issued with a straight red card for a foul on Alistair Smith in the middle of the pitch.

The Gambian forward, who has 19 League Two goals this season, will be suspended for the clash in South London.

The return leg will take place at Plough Lane next Saturday lunchtime.

“I loved my team’s performance,” said Jackson.

“I thought we were very, very good. We had to suffer a bit and they’re a good team. They have good players and we knew they would put us under a bit of pressure – we had to deal with that.

“We had some really good moments and scored the only goal of the game. When we had to defend, we made blocks, tackles and Owen has pulled off an unbelievable save in the first half.

“I’m really pleased with how we went about it. The attitude of my players is what pleased me the most.

“They’re a good side and you’re never going to have it your own way. We stuck to the plan and the boys put their bodies on the line.

“We’re going to need to do that again at our place because they’re coming with an attitude that they’re coming to win.

“They will throw everything at us again and we need to be ready to do what we have done tonight, one more time.”

PICTURE: ALAMY