Opposition view: Jackson felt Dons 'pushed more than Northampton' in EFL Trophy defeat
Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson felt his side did enough in the second half of Tuesday’s EFL Trophy tie against Northampton to at least force a penalty shoot-out.
Cobblers were much the better side in the first 45 minutes at Plough Lane and deservedly led at the break thanks to Jack Vale, but numerous other chances went missing and Matty Stevens levelled straight after half-time.
The second half was more even but Tom Eaves struck the decisive blow when tapping in Kyle McAdam’s cutback to book Town’s place in the semi-finals and knock Wimbledon out of the competition.
"I think second half we were probably on top and were certainly pushing more than Northampton,” said Jackson. “We had better moments, scored a goal and then I thought we'd probably go on and win the tie.
“They've obviously pegged us back with probably one of their only chances in the second half, but in fairness to them, I thought they were the better team in the first half and I can't ignore that bit of it. I was disappointed with the first half display.
“I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half and I thought that was much more like us, what we've been like of late, what I want my teams to look like – front foot, aggressive, getting after the ball, squeezing the pitch and taking the game to the opposition. But I thought first half we were passive and we didn't show enough of that.
“And to be fair, they scored and they could have had probably at least another one. I am pleased with the second half and in the end we probably could have taken it to penalties at least. We're pushing hard at the end, their keeper made a save and a few cleared off the line, but we gave them a leg up first half and I wasn't happy with that bit of it. It was just the fundamentals that we didn’t do.”
Jackson made seven changes compared to Kevin Nolan’s 10, and he added: “We made some changes tonight but that's a good team that's gone out there with some real experience and some freshness, lads who haven't played in the last few games. I don't expect to make changes and it be to the detriment of the team.
“The same boys responded in the second half and it was excellent. Then we made some subs to try and get something from the game. But it was the same 11 that went out at the start of the second half and was much improved. I think it's a lesson for the whole group, all of us, that we can't afford to coast.
“Obviously we know what our ultimate aim is this season. I’m not going to stand here and say I didn't want to win the Trophy because I did. Tonight we're disappointed that we haven't gone through.
“But ultimately we know what our aim is this season and for us to achieve that we have to be at it all the time like we were in the second half, like we have been in the last three games. I won't allow us to come off it, and if individuals can't do that, then I won't play.”