Wimbledon show grit as well as finishing quality in 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers

Johnnie Jackson admitted his AFC Wimbledon side had some moments of adversity in yesterday’s 2-0 win at Tranmere Rovers.

The Dons extended their unbeaten run in all competition to nine matches with Ethan Chislett and Ayoub Assal both producing fine strikes.

Tranmere’s Dynel Simeu was shown a straight red card for an altercation with Wimbledon midfielder Harry Pell.

Dons keeper Nik Tzanev conceded a penalty when the score was 1-0 for a foul on Paul Lewis. But the Kiwi then saved Kane Hemmings’ spot-kick.

“I’m just delighted for everyone involved today,” Wimbledon boss Jackson told the club’s YouTube channel. “I’m really proud of the players for the way they dug in. We had some tough moments in the second half where, credit to Tranmere, they put us under a lot of pressure with a man down. They made us defend and we stood up to that.

“Also when we needed the goalkeeper to get us out of a little spot he has done it yet again.

“Two really good goals. Two excellent finishes from two boys who are really enjoying their football at the minute. The finish by Chis in the first half is very good and Ayoub has been doing that regularly of late. We know when we get him into those one-v-one situations that he has got the ability to produce finishes like that and he’s doing it more and more often.

“After the red card we weren’t as good as when it was 11 v 11. Second half they have got to come out and have a go – they did. We had to defend properly today and have that spirit I keep talking about. It got us over the line.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD