Match Views . . . AFC Wimbledon

ATHLETIC boss Stephen Robinson

ATHLETIC manager Stephen Robinson felt his men were worthy of claiming a victory thanks to the strong finish to the game that saw them twice hit the woodwork.

"In the first half, we cancelled each other out a bit and they are a strong team," he said. "They have only lost one game away from home all season and you can see that they are well-organised and disciplined.

"There wasn't a whole lot of goalmouth action and it was congested in the middle of the pitch.

"We changed the system a bit in the second half and the subs made an impact when they came on. We deserved the three points towards the end as we finished the stronger team.

"We asked them to be a bit more positive and to get balls wider earlier, into Ryan McLaughlin's feet. Lee Croft gave us a bit of devilment as well.

'OPPORTUNITIES'

"It is frustrating we didn't get the win. We should have scored, as we had three opportunities from that one corner. Whether it was over the line we don't know and it is difficult for the referee to see among those bodies.

"I can't ask for much more from the players. They gave everything and worked their socks off and played some good football, especially in the second half.

"Once we play and pass the ball rather than going back to front, we are a much better side.

"Billy Mckay worked his socks off and was sacrificed for the system and Lee Erwin didn't have a good day and will be better.

"We have to utilise the squad as we have a lot of games - and a lot of important ones - coming up."

WIMBLEDON manager Neal Ardley was content to claim a point against an Athletic side he feels is heading in the right direction.

"Oldham had done their homework on us and stopped us doing what we are good at, but a draw was about right," Ardley said,

"We would have been devastated if the chance had gone in at the end instead of hitting the bar, but it was a wonderful save from James Shea.

"They were pressing towards the end and wanted to win. They are in a bit of form now and I think Steve (Robinson) will be happy with where they are going.

"Our away form has been decent this season and the games we've lost at home have been against the top sides like Bolton, Bradford, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe - we are happily punching above our weight."