AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson labelled Ryan Johnson’s late own goal 'cruel' following his side's narrow opening day defeat to Luton Town.
Wimbledon battled well against the Hatters and looked set to earn a deserved point before Johnson’s misfortune with five minutes left on the clock saw them fall to a disappointing 1–0 loss.
Result aside, Jackson will take confidence from his team’s performance against the League One promotion favourites, whose resources far exceed Wimbledon’s.
Conceding in such a manner will be painful, but proving they can compete with superior opposition is an important step for the League One newcomers.
“I am gutted for my players and supporters,” Jackson told Sky Sports after his side fell short against the Hatters.
“To lose the game in that manner was cruel. It was a fortunate goal from their point of view. They made us defend that situation in transition, but that rarely happened to my team all night.
"I thought we defended brilliantly and had a great structure and shape about us — they couldn't get through, we were frustrating them.
"To lose it with an own goal off the underside of the bar is tough to take,” continued the Wimbledon boss.
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When asked if he had sympathy for his centre-back after the own goal, Jackson defended Johnson, highlighting his strong performance throughout the evening.
“Of course he [has to go for it], nothing on Johnno,” explained Jackson.
“They caught us when we were going for it at the other end. Another few inches on the cross-field ball and we probably get in, but they get it and counter and carve us open. You accept that.”
“Johnno’s defended those situations well all night. He had to go and put his head on it. It could lie on top of the bar, go over, but it went in. It's a horrible way to lose.”
Wimbledon will look to bounce back and get their first points on the board in League One when they host Lincoln City at Plough Lane next Saturday.
