That’s what we brought him in – Johnnie Jackson thrilled with Joe Pigott winner

Posted Sunday, August 25, 2024 by PA

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson was delighted to see his lengthy pursuit of Joe Pigott pay further dividends after the striker’s well-taken winner earned a 1-0 victory at Cheltenham.

Jackson has long admired the much-travelled frontman, who he finally captured on loan from Leyton Orient this summer and has now netted twice this season in what is his second spell with the Dons.

His first goal was the decider in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Bromley and Saturday’s effort, an expert finish after Ryan Johnson’s pass in the 67th minute, earned his side three league points.

Jackson said: “It was a great finish and a very difficult skill, taking the ball on the half-volley as it comes across like that, but we know Joe has that quality.

“That’s what we brought him in. I have tried to sign him a few times and we finally got our man. I am well pleased for him.”

Wimbledon controlled the first half, with more than 70 per cent possession, but they could not find a breakthrough.

However, Jackson was always confident a goal would come, saying: “I am delighted with both the result and the performance.

“I thought we were really good, especially in the first half when we were dominant.

“I was a bit disappointed we didn’t have anything to show for our dominance at half-time.

“We knew there would be a response from them, but I felt if we continued to do what we did well, a chance would come along that we’d take and that happened.

“We had to see it through and defend our box and we did that really well, so as far as away performances go, it was a really good one.”

Matty Taylor saw a speculative effort saved by Owen Goodman for Cheltenham in the 14th minute, but from then on the Dons controlled possession.

Owen Evans parried a shot from Jake Reeves in the 25th minute and Alistair Smith curled an effort just wide in the 36th minute.

Cheltenham did show an improvement early in the second half, but Pigott’s goal put the Dons on course for their second win of the season.

Robins boss Michael Flynn admitted his side were off the pace in the first half.

“We didn’t create anything and the gaps were too big, but I did think Wimbledon were excellent,” he said.

“We did improve second half, which is not a great thing because it would have been hard not to improve, they have stuck together and it’s a lack of experience with the goal we’ve conceded.

“We switched off, allowing Joe Pigott to have a free tap-in. We regroup and go again, but the first half wasn’t good enough.”