Soccer
Johnnie Jackson pleased with AFC Wimbledon character after shootout success
AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson was relieved to see his side edge past Newport 5-4 on penalties after needing a last-gasp equaliser to claim a 1-1 draw.
A Callum Maycock shot in the seventh minute of stoppage time broke the hearts of the visitors, who took the lead through a superb Yahya Bamba curler.
Nathan Bishop saved from Matt Smith in the shootout and the Dons scored all five of their efforts, but Jackson felt fortunate to progress.
He said: “We were hoping that something would fall to us – it fell to Maycock’s feet and he took the goal really well.
“We didn’t play well particularly, but we showed some character. The most positive for me are the players who came on.”
Newport looked on course for a scalp when Bamba curled home from outside the area, after Nathan Bishop saved a Shaquille Gwengwe spot-kick.
But substitute Maycock finished from close range to force penalties, where the hosts ultimately prevailed.
It was bittersweet for Newport manager Hayden Mullins, in only his eighth day in the role, but he left Plough Lane pleased with the display of his side.
He said: “We did really well. The initial disappointment is that we didn’t get anything from the game, but I stand here a proud man.
“To get a draw, it was tough to take at the end.
“Bamba is somebody who I really want to believe in his own ability. In the second half he was a real threat. He scored a fantastic goal and he deserved it.”
