Jonnie Jackson “Wants Arsenal in the FA Cup Third Round”
Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson dreams of a tie against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup but will not underestimate the Dons’ second-round opponents Chesterfield.
“If we want to beat Chesterfield to get into the third round we’ll have to be better than we were tonight because they’re a good side right up the top of the National League,” he said.
“The FA Cup is a big part of this club’s history, so we always take it seriously – as the supporters do. The Chesterfield game is a big opportunity to get into the third round but we have to take care of business first.”
A lifelong Gooner, Jackson said: “If I had my pick [of third round opponents] it would be Arsenal.
“Arsenal away or Arsenal here would be a dream for me.”
All the goals in the Dons’ 3-1 first round replay win against Weymouth came in the second half as Ayoub Assal and Ethan Chislett’s brace gave them a 3-0 lead before Brad Ash scored a consolation for Weymouth in the 77th minute.
Wimbledon play National League Chesterfield at home in the next round, giving the Dons a great chance of progressing to the 3rd round and drawing one of the country’s biggest sides.
A fixture against a club as big as Arsenal would undoubtedly be financially beneficial, possibly helping Jackson improve his squad in January.
The manager commented on the performance of 20-year-old star man Assal.
“I’m really pleased with him, we’ve worked a lot with him and since the start of the season his form has improved and improved,” revealed Jackson.
“He’s adding goals to his game. I think that goal tonight makes him top scorer for us, eight in all competitions.
“He’s such a threat because he gets in such great positions.”
Assal could have been man of the match on the night as the winger was the Dons only bright spark in a poor first-half, but he was also yellow carded for a scuffle with Weymouth midfielder Xander McBurnie after the interval.
The Dons manager said he would not discourage the young winger from getting into spats: “If you took that away from him you’d be taking a big chunk of his game away and that’s what he’s about.
“I feel sorry for him because he’s probably the most fouled player I’ve ever seen, he gets fouled all the time, he gets pulled and tugged back, but he’s a tough little cookie and he gives as good as he gets.
“I think he quite enjoys that side of it, enjoys the challenge and he’s well up for it.”
Chislett’s quick brace off of the bench followed shortly after to kill off the game. Jackson commented on the winger’s performance saying: “I would have liked him to get a hat-trick!
“I thought he had an opportunity to take a shot on his left foot and get the hat-trick, but it’s good that the subs can come off the bench and make an impact.”
