Johnnie Jackson labelled AFC Wimbledon’s penalty shootout triumph over Premier League Ipswich as the highlight of his managerial career.
Former Wimbledon striker Ali Al-Hamadi gave the visitors the lead but Omar Bugiel hit back for the Dons five minutes before the break.
Matty Stevens thought he had fired his side into the third round after heading into the top-left corner but Conor Chaplin capitalised on an Owen Goodman error to get The Tractor Boys back on level terms four minutes from time as the match ended 2-2.
Crystal Palace loanee Goodman made amends, saving two spot kicks before Isaac Ogundere converted the decisive penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory.
The Dons will play Premier League side Newcastle in the third round.
Jackson said: “I think it is probably the highlight so far I would say [of his managerial career].
“Certainly one of them anyway. That is the third time coming up against Kieran [McKenna] as a manager and it has not gone great for me in the previous couple.
“So to win tonight against such a talented young coach is nice on a personal level and I am just really pleased for the football club to have a night like this.
“For us as a football club to have a night like this, beating a Premier League team, it is outstanding.
“Obviously my old striker popping up with a goal after three minutes, you think oh hell, you knew that was going to happen.
“For 15 to 20 minutes they had their way with us and I was a little bit concerned that the game might get away from us.”
Ipswich’s starting eleven featured six debutants, including Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips.
McKenna insists it was the correct decision to give new players minutes, with the Premier League season in mind.
“I think it was the right thing to do,” he added.
“Of course, going out of the cup competition is not good and we are disappointed for the supporters who have come here tonight and given us really good support.
“We wanted to progress in the competition but it is really really clear what our priorities are this season.
“We have got a lot of new players to integrate and not many chances to do it.
“It is not possible to do it in a Premier League game so to get as many of them on the pitch tonight as we could was the priority for the football club.
“Of course, that always gives the chance that the performance won’t be as cohesive as you would hope and that is what brought the uncertain elements to the game.
“A perfect start, to be honest there were some really positive things about the performance.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
