Johnnie Jackson pleased with win but warns AFC Wimbledon must still improve

Johnnie Jackson insisted AFC Wimbledon have work still to do despite beating 10-man Lincoln to register their first win since promotion back to League One.

Lincoln’s Adam Jackson was shown a straight red card after a reckless challenge on Matt Stevens, who then gave Wimbledon the lead from the penalty spot after Sonny Bradley’s handball. Nathan Asiimwe sealed a 2-0 win with a close-range finish.

“I’m very pleased we got the win against a very good team,” said Johnnie Jackson. “We prepped hard for Lincoln, knowing it would be a tough fixture and we saw that in their win over Reading last week.

“I don’t think he meant to hurt him, but he caught him harder than intended. It was hard for the referee not to give it, and it changed the game. We dominated the ball more and had a leg up.”

Johnnie Jackson was especially pleased for Stevens and said: “He’s a very cool customer from the spot, gives everything to the team, and I’m chuffed to see him get rewarded with a goal.”

It took a vital second-half interception from Joe Lewis to prevent Lincoln equalising on the break and Johnnie Jackson said: “It was a great chance for them. We left ourselves exposed and they didn’t settle.

“Brilliant defending from Lewis, but I don’t want to see teams countering us like that. We’ll look at the reasons why.

“Happy with the win, but there are areas we need to improve.”

Lincoln manager Michael Skubala admitted the penalty decision, coming on the heels of Adam Jackson’s red card, “killed” the game.

“I think the game hinged on it,” said Skubala.

“If I’m honest, it was always going to be a tough day. Wimbledon are well organised and a threat in aerial duels.

“We worked our way into the game, started to settle, and then the sending-off happened. I need to look back at it – one of those where nine times out of 10 the referee gives it, and it changed everything for me.”

On the penalty decision, he added: “Sonny Bradley is sliding with his arms in a natural position. He’s hit it and I know the laws, but it’s one of those where I’m not sure.

“It was tough to take, especially (after) going down to 10 men. That moment killed it.”

Despite the setback, Skubala praised his side’s spirit.

“We were soaking up pressure and springing at the right moments,” he said. “We kept a threat with our wide players.

“We said at half-time it would come down to moments. We made tactical changes, brought on Tom Hamer for his aerial presence and long throw to try and get something.

“We needed to create more, but we kept going. The desire not to concede more shows the mentality and heart in the group. We regroup and go again.”