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Jackson hopes Dons' experience helps in play-offs

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson Rex Features

Johnnie Jackson took over at AFC Wimbledon in 2022, having previously managed Charlton Athletic

Johnnie Jackson believes AFC Wimbledon's big-game experience will help them in the League Two play-offs.

Jackson's side will travel to face Notts County in the semi-final first leg on Saturday (20:00 BST).

Last season they played away to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and this term they went out of the competition at Newcastle, who went on to win the trophy.

Dons boss Jackson told BBC Radio London: "I think they definitely help, especially that we went ahead.

"We were ahead at Chelsea and ran them really close, and at Newcastle we were right in the game until the very last minute - and only lost to a penalty to the eventual winners.

"Loads to like to from those games and loads of experiences to draw. And we've got lads in the squad that have been in play-off situations and have had promotions as well, which definitely helps.

"We've tried to build a squad with some experienced players that have been there and done it, and we've got that."

Jackson also believes Saturday's crucial 1-0 win at Grimsby, which secured the south London team's play-off place, was another valuable experience.

"I think last week's game was a great dress rehearsal for what's to come, because it felt like a quarter-final," he added.

"We were playing Grimsby, who could have gone above us, we still needed something and we were the ones to be shot at.

"It was a lively atmosphere up there but the boys handled it brilliantly. I think that game last week will definitely have helped the mindset of the players."

Action between Notts County and AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane in October Rex Features

Notts County beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0 at Meadow Lane in October

Wimbledon finished fifth in the table, one place and one point above Notts County, who go into the play-offs having won just one of their past six matches - a run which has included four defeats.

But Jackson, who had a brief spell with the Magpies, making 24 league appearances for them during the 2009-2010 campaign, expects the battle for a place in the final at Wembley to be a tight affair.

"Evenly matched. On points tallies and the two games that we've played, you can tell that these are two quite well matched teams," he said.

"We're going to have to make sure we're prepared and are going to have to be really good defensively, but there are things we can hurt them with.

"Two massive games and hopefully a massive game (the play-off final) after that."

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