We spoke to head coach Mike Williamson ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newport.
“I've just watched their game from Tuesday night and it was a very strong performance,” he said. “They dominated the possession and chances but obviously conceded two set pieces that we know Wimbledon are very effective at.
“It's going to be an open game and one that we're looking forward to because they want to play from the back, they want to play through the thirds, they've got a big man up top so you know there's no worries about going over the top and they’ve got a lot of energy in the team and I think it's going to be a good battle.”
Newport striker Kyle Hudlin is 6”9, and we asked Mike if there have to be any different plans when coming up against a player like that: “We have to keep him as far away from our goal as possible for one.
“He obviously has that prowess with anything aerially, and he's probably got a foot on everyone else. You can see the dynamics that they want, they want a lot of pace in and around him, a lot of energy, they've got three midfielders that rotate really well, they try and overload the wide areas and they've got willing runners as well so we've got to be on our front foot, make sure that we're strong in transition and we're ready.”
On how the week of training has gone, Mike said: “We've had a really good week again this week, and when we've had a clean week leading up to a game I feel like that's carried over to our performance on a Saturday. We've been focusing on ourselves and how we are out of possession, how much energy we're going to need in transition. That's going to be a big area, and I think the team that dominates the transition will win the game.
“We’ve asked for a lot of energy, when we’re out of possession and in transition. We always start our 11v11s with our build-up play, that's just a non-negotiable, but there’s been a lot of emphasis on our position and the amount of energy and the intensity we've got to keep.”
United didn’t have a midweek game after the Crewe fixture was rearranged, and we asked Mike if that would bring any advantage come Saturday: “We're probably talking a marginal advantage but for us we like to have that clean week just so we can have more contact time with the boys.”
On injuries, Mike said: “Harrison Biggins has been back in training and he's someone that adds energy and enthusiasm and intention, he's looked good.
“We have a couple of other knocks and a couple of people wrapped up in cotton wool but that's nothing more than usual, everyone else is fit and healthy other than the long-term ones.
“Chaz and Archie are still early days so they’re just doing the low-end rehab, but they’re in and around the group so it’s good for morale and for the boys to be in it together. Other than that everyone else is working hard, Ethan and Terell are still working their socks off.”
United will be backed on Saturday by close to 300 fans, in what is the last long away trip before Christmas, and Mike paid testament to their support: “It's a long trip so we're travelling and training half way to try and just break the journey up.
“Testament to the fans that make that journey and sacrifice a lot. We're going to go down there and make sure we keep building and focus on making sure we get the win for them.”
