AFC Wimbledon chief Downes: Not one game at a time – one half at a time
The Dons host Bristol Rovers today before following up with a trip to League One leaders Luton Town on Tuesday night. It means they will know the results of nearly all of their drop rivals before taking to the pitch at Kenilworth Road next week.
Asked if that could be an advantage, Downes said: “Who knows? There are four games to go – eight halves – how many inponderables are going to happen? One of our press guys told me there were 18 changes in four of the positions in the second half of our game [on Saturday].
“Let’s hope Luton have won the title and they are all drunk! I don’t mind that happening.
“I’ve been saying all along – don’t look too far ahead, just focus on what is in front of us.
“We put all our attention on Friday. If we perform well enough then the result takes care of itself. We focus on the first half, then come in at half-time and see where we are and what we’re up against. At this stage of the season I like to break it down as much as I can. At half-time we can see if we need to re-adjust and what they have got.”
The Dons have a clean bill of health going into their meeting with Rovers, who are not totally safe from relegation despite being 14th.
“The only problem we have had is Kwesi [Appiah] and trying to get him right,” said the Wimbledon boss. “He’s got to feel confident in himself to push himself flat out.
You know your body best – as soon as he feels capable of going at 100 per cent he will be a valuable asset to us again.”
Tickets for the game against Bristol Rovers sold out on Monday.
The Dons only have one more home game after that – against Wycombe Wanderers on April 27.
PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS
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