Dons boss happy to get second bite at FA Cup progress after admitting they didn’t handle ‘tricky conditions’ well enough

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson lamented his side’s second-half performance in their 1-1 FA Cup first-round draw with Weymouth.

Jackson also admitted the conditions favoured the hosts.

The Dons took the lead at the Bob Lucas Stadium in the fifth minute when Ayoub Assal capitalised on a mistake at the back for Weymouth and chipped Harry Pell’s long ball over the onrushing Zaki Oualah.

Ahkeem Rose equalised for the National League South side in the 70th minute when his free-kick from the edge of the box was drilled along the ground and beyond Nik Tzanev.

Weymouth had more shots, shots on target and possession than Jackson’s side. Wimbledon only recorded two shots on target during the 90 minutes.

Speaking to Wimbledon’s official media channel after the game, Jackson said: “It was a really, really tough game in real tricky conditions, which I don’t think we handled particularly well, certainly in the second half.

“I’m disappointed with the performance. I’m disappointed with the result – we wanted to be through already.

“Looking at the balance of the second half, it could have been worse. These are always difficult ties and places to come. Weymouth were excellent – they were well up for it. The conditions played a huge part in that as well. But we’re still in the cup – it could have easily been worse than it was. We have an opportunity at home to put it right.

“We spoke about the start of the game and [the fact that] they will be up for it and [making sure] we took the start away from them with smart play and playing in their half.

“We did that well in the first half – we got the early goal and I thought we would go on and build. But we lost a bit of momentum in the middle of that first half, and we never really clawed it back.

“In the second half, conditions got worse. It was in their favour, and they used it really well to put us under pressure and made us defend.

“I’m just disappointed with the second half.”

The Dons will host Weymouth at Plough Lane in a replay for a place in the second round.

“We wanted to get the job done today,” admitted Jackson. “We get another chance to put that right.

“I just said to the players in there [the dressing room] that I don’t think anyone has done themselves particularly proud today.

“They always demand more from each other, and there are uncomfortable conversations that have to be had if we are to improve.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD