Jubilant AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson saluted his battling side as their fine second-half showing earned a 3-0 victory over derby rivals Sutton.
Goals from Ryan Johnson, Harry Pell and James Tilley did the damage as Jackson’s team maintained their unbeaten start to the League Two season.
“It’s always a tough game for us, especially being a local derby,” said Jackson.
“They make it really difficult for you, but I thought we had to match them physically and the way they played, the pressure they put you under.
“We selected that from the start and they didn’t disappoint. But we had to stand up to it and, sometimes, you have to stay in the game for 60 minutes or so and take your chances then they come along.
“But we were by no means hanging on. I still think we had the best chances in the first half. We had a couple of really clear-cut chances.
“I felt we should have been leading at half-time, but we weren’t. And then you have to come out with the same response knowing that they’re putting you under pressure.
“They did at the second half, but I thought ‘weather that’ and then we took control of the game.
“I felt once we scored we were completely in control. I thought we saw the game out really well.
“You can get one and sit back and sit on your lead, waiting to invite pressure. But this team doesn’t do that, we get after it and want to score a second and a third goal.”
Frustrated Sutton manager Matt Gray said: “I thought it was a really even game in the first half.
“They had a couple of decent chances early on, but I thought we really grew into the half and we certainly had a few moments as well.
“It was very even and we had the strong wind in the first half, but in the second half I though we started really well.
“We had a couple of moments, hit the post and in a derby game where there’s a real atmosphere and a lot at stake, the first goal is massive.
“But unfortunately we’ve gone one goal behind from a great set-piece delivery – and a good header from one of their lads.
“We huffed and puffed a little, so I’m disappointed with the result.
“It was hard to get our foot on the ball on quite a few occasions but, as I say, the first goal is key and we didn’t get it.”
