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.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.On this day 2019 Hojlund level game mode Would you rather WIN the UEFA Conference League or EARN more money? Which one is the worst? “It’s da history of da Tottenham…” Kepa in Arsenal be like Wanda Nara is now dating 26-year-old Achraf Hakimi — the PSG star reportedly invited Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife to a private party after the...
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group E, where Asian "Red Devils" Urawa Red Diamonds, Serie A giants Inter Milan, Argentine powerhouse River Plate, and Mexican "Tigers" Monterrey will clash. What unique marks will they leave on the pitch?Asian "Red Devils" Uraw...
ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)The Cherries are close to agreeing a £20m...
Chelsea are looking to land a second transfer after Liam Delap.Chelsea are set to launch a new bid for Mike Maignan.Chelsea reportedly face crucial days ahead in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, after already seeing one bid rejected. The France stopper is entering the last year of his contract at the San Siro and has been viewed as a market opportunity at a bargain price.The Blue...
Manchester United's chances of signing Bryan Mbeumo may have received a blow as Tottenham are reportedly readying an offer for the Brentford star.Man Utd eye Brentford's MbeumoTottenham ready their own offerTalks with manager Frank continueWHAT HAPPENED?The Sun report that Tottenham are trying to hijack United's pursuit of Mbeumo - with hopes that landing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as well could ...
Ajax have told Jordan Henderson he can leave for free this summer, with new head coach John Heitinga not counting on the experienced English international. Rumours have linked him with a sensational return to Sunderland, who will return to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.Livramento to Man City currently on 'stand-by'Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento's m...
Mikel Arteta is set to oversee a big summer at Arsenal (Image: Getty)Arsenal have waved goodbye to three players without making a permanent signing so far this summer, but the arrivals are not far off. Nuno Tavares has left the Emirates to join Lazio on a permanent deal, while Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have both entered free agency.Arteta picks between Sesko and GyokeresSince the start of the su...
Federico Chiesa is being tipped to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty)Liverpool FC could be about to lose Federico Chiesa less than a year after the Italian joined the Anfield outfit. Chiesa was the only addition to Arne Slot’s squad during last summer’s transfer window, joining for £10million from Juventus.However, a combination of injuries and bad form meant his minutes w...
The summer transfer window is already in full flow, with Premier League clubs in a race against the clock to get deals over the line before the window is put on pause for the Club World Cup on June 10. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all hopeful of bringing in new signings beforehand, with early exits firmly on the cards as well.Ruben Amorim’s rebuild of United has been kickstar...
Harry Kane and England played out a drab first-half against Andorra (Image: Getty)England were booed off at half-time of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra, after a goalless opening 45 minutes against the European minnows. Thomas Tuchel's men had won their opening two matches of qualification against Albania and Latvia, but the German coach was left wanting more after his side's dismal show...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 9 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 10 Alonso eyes reunion with Leverkusen star