We spoke to Mike Williamson ahead of our trip to AFC Wimbledon.
Mike began by discussing what he expects from our opponents, saying:
“It will be a physical, tough game, obviously. They had a good result midweek, so they're going to be full of confidence. We've faced them before, so we know how difficult it's going to be.
“There were a lot of positives that came out of the midweek game for us. We'll make sure the lads dust themselves down and we're good to go. We're just concentrating on ourselves.”
This’ll be Wimbledon’s first home game since the flooding at their ground. We expected their fans to be right up for it, a sentiment that Mike shared:
“Yes, they certainly will. I think they always are. We'll have to see what the pitch is looking like, but both teams have to play on that.
“We're excited, we know how hard it is going to be. We want to build on our away form and get down there and get a positive result.”
Mike had mentioned that him and his staff have played AFC Wimbledon before, we asked if that helps with preparation, he answered:
“Yes, I think so. On both sides, really. We're already going to have a flavour of it and experience the atmosphere and know what to expect.
“Obviously, their strengths and the players they've got are going to hurt us. It makes us more prepared, but it doesn't make it easier.
“The aim is to continue the away defensive record.
“That's been outstanding, but we need to be better in possession moving forward. We want to threaten their final third as much as we possibly can. It's about trying to control more of the game than we have done away from home previously.”
Mike also gave us an injury update, following Tuesday night:
“There's still a couple we're going to be assessing this morning. I think by and large everyone's hopefully okay."
On Callum Guy, and Taylor Charters, Mike said:
“They came in and trained the day after, so I don't think they've got any issues.”
And finally, on the traveling fans, with over 600 tickets sold, Mike expressed his gratitude:
“It’s just fantastic support again. It's a different class. I can't speak highly enough of them since we've come in.
“They've been brilliant. They turn up in their numbers and we've got to make sure we go down there and match their enthusiasm. And their sacrifices, and give a good account of ourselves.”
