Johnnie Jackson ‘buzzing’ as Wimbledon win shoot-out to ensure cup progress

Johnnie Jackson was proud after AFC Wimbledon overcame a late leveller to secure their spot in the second round of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Gillingham.

Alistair Smith scored the decisive penalty after Tuesday’s first round tie ended 1-1 after 90 minutes at Priestfield.

Antwoine Hackford fired the League One visitors in front before Ethan Coleman’s 83rd-minute leveller for the League Two hosts.

Smith saw his initial penalty saved before finding the back of the net at the second attempt, after the decision was made for it to be retaken.

Jackson said: “I’m absolutely buzzing with that.

“We had to dig in. It was a tough night in the end, if I’m being truthful.

“The boys had to dig in and go again because they were tired at full-time.

“They gathered themselves for the shoot-out and got the job done. We came here to get through and we’ve done that.”

Gills’ boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “There are massive positives to take.

“We should have been better at some set-pieces. We let ourselves down with a mistake and that cost us. That’s something we’ll have to work on.

“We are solid and it’s our own mistakes that have cost us in the game.

“I know we’ve gone out but that second half performance was incredible.”