Johnnie Jackson calls for ruthless streak as AFC Wimbledon slip to defeat

Johnnie Jackson insisted AFC Wimbledon were not clinical enough in the box during their 1-0 defeat against Walsall at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

The hosts felt they should have had a penalty after Omar Bugiel appeared to be pushed in the penalty area midway through a lifeless first half.

Both sides had chances to win it after the break but Nathan Lowe’s goal ensured the visitors secured all three points.

However, Jackson believes the contest could have swung either way.

“It was a tough game against a really good team in difficult conditions and there was nothing in the match really,” Jackson said.

“It was hard-fought but they came up with a moment and got the goal and we didn’t.

“We asked questions but we were not ruthless enough in either of the boxes and we switched off.

“I said to the lads at half-time that a mistake from either team was going to win or lose the game and the mistake came from us.

“We switched off, didn’t track a run and they get a goal.

“We put a lot of pressure on their penalty box, but to be fair to them they stood up to it and defended well.

“When the moment came, we didn’t take it so yeah, we weren’t ruthless enough and that has cost us.”

The result means Walsall cut the gap between themselves and league leaders Port Vale to three points ahead of their clash with Crewe on Sunday.

The Dons are now ninth, two points outside the play-offs with two games in hand over many of the teams around them.

Match-winner Lowe, who is on loan from Stoke, has said that he wants to learn lessons from Manchester City star Erling Haaland in recent weeks.

Walsall boss Mat Sadler admits he is always pleased to hear his players compare themselves to the best.

“Nathan is experiencing something in league football that he has never experienced before, that is what it is all about,” said Sadler. “Different game, different styles, different atmospheres.

“That is what this loan is all about for him and he has taken to it really well.

“It is just a group that wants to work hard for each other. That is always such a good start point and an important start point for any team.

“We want to work hard for each other, we want to do whatever it takes for each other.

“We are very fortunate that we have a good squad of players, different people can come in at different times.

“Long may that continue, we have got to keep making sure that we are fit and ready to go.

“Performances like today will only strengthen the confidence of the lads, but that confidence is all born out of hard work.”