Wally Downes believes AFC Wimbledon can battle out of relegation danger - 7M sport

Wally Downes believes AFC Wimbledon can battle out of relegation danger



Posted Sunday, December 09, 2018 by PA

Wally Downes believes AFC Wimbledon can battle out of relegation danger

Newly-appointed AFC Wimbledon boss Wally Downes is convinced his side can claw their way out of League One trouble after witnessing a spirited fightback against Rochdale.

Former Crazy Gang-member Downes was only appointed at Wimbledon this week – but his arrival had an instant impact as he inspired the Dons to battle back and claim an unlikely point.

Substitute Andy Barcham rescued a point in Downes’ first game as Dons boss late in the game.

Barcham rifled in from the edge of the box to cancel out Calvin Andrew’s first half effort, which keeps the Dons second from bottom and still heavily in trouble.

Downes said: “I thought it was a terrific comeback in the second half.

“I was pleased with the first-half performance, we made just one mistake and got punished for it. They had a bit more of the ball than us, but I was comfortable with that.

“We sorted it out at half-time, how we wanted to play in the second half and I couldn’t have wished for anything more from the boys. Their attitude was superb.

“What they showed was absolute commitment to the cause. They were willing to put themselves on the line and they have come off tired players.

“I have only been here two days and it has been instilled into them what is needed. But it is a long process but that is something I can put to one side and concentrate on how we want to be playing.

“When you are chasing a goal, you are just going to get the ball in the box as often as you can but then you also need some quality.

“And when the ball dropped to Barcham it was a great spot and great finish.”

The hosts started brightly with Jake Jervis having a penalty appeal waved away and Will Nightingale heading straight at Josh Lillis moments later.

Rochdale started to dominate and on 35 minutes, took the lead. Joseph Rafferty skipped down the right wing before fizzing in a cross, which was bundled in by Andrew.

As the rain swept in Wimbledon were prodding and probing trying to find a way back into the game and just before 70 minutes they equalised. A long throw into the box fell to Barcham who fired in from 20 yards.

Andrew nearly stole it for Rochdale at the death, but an excellent save from Joe McDonnell low to his left ensure the spoils were shared.

Rochdale boss Keith Hill said: “I’m quite frustrated really, we were in total control of the game, but I don’t think we employed the tactics that I expected in the second half. We gave the ball away far too much.

“If we give the ball away to physical sides like Wimbledon, we’ll suffer. If we pass the ball, we’re as good as any side in this league. I just don’t think we struck the right balance.

“Some of my players are a bit green, regardless of their age, when we’re playing teams like Wimbledon, and there needs to be a bit of game brain.

“Ultimately, the players have to put the plan into action and I don’t think they did that in the second half.”

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