AFC Wimbledon head coach Johnnie Jackson warned his team to expect a fierce response from Notts County during the second leg of their Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final after watching Riley Harbottle score the only goal of an eventful tie at Meadow Lane.
The defender, who began his career across the River Trent with Nottingham Forest, headed home from a Jake Reeves centre in the 59th minute as the visitors ensured they will take a slender 1-0 advantage into next weekend’s return at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Having already seen David McGoldrick limp off during the closing stages, County’s season unravelled when Alassana Jatta received a red card in the fifth minute of stoppage time for a foul on Alistair Smith.
County boss Stuart Maynard revealed he will review the striker’s challenge before deciding whether to appeal.
But he referenced the wealth of chances his men created, with Conor Grant forcing a number of saves from the excellent Owen Goodman, as a sign they can bounce back.
Jackson said: “I thought we were excellent, very good defensively and then produced that moment of quality when it mattered.
“But listen, County are a very, very good side and they are going to throw everything at us down at our place. We can be sure about that.
“We spoke before the game about how they try to constantly pull you out of position. They are very good with their rotations.
“So, defensively, we had to keep our shape and stay solid which I thought we were able to do.”
Jackson added: “First and foremost, I look at what Riley does defensively. That’s the most important thing for me.
“But he’s definitely a threat going forward too and he’s proved that out there. It’s only half-time and nothing is settled yet.
“There’s still a lot of work to do and we know that we’re going to have to be at our best.”
Having seen two penalty appeals waved away, the first when Grant’s first-half shot struck Joe Lewis’ arm, Maynard said: “I’m not going to say anything about those, because I’m only going to get myself into trouble.
“What I will say is that, after not getting automatic, I knew my team was going to go back out there and show exactly the right attitude which they did.
“They are probably the best defensive team in the division and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone create as much as we did. The fact their keeper was man of the match tells you something and I definitely thought we deserved to win.”
Maynard added: “I’ll take a look at the sending-off again and then we’ll see if we do anything.
“The thing is, though, if he’d got a free-kick just before when his shirt was round his neck then I don’t think he’d have had to go in like he did.
“I think everyone has seen what’s happened and that’s the only comment I’m going to make on it.”
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