Johnson promising changes to come
CHELTENHAM boss Gary Johnson expects major changes this summer after the Robins ended their 16-year stay in the Football League with a draw against AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow.
Durrell Berry opened the scoring for already relegated Cheltenham, before Wimbledon’s Jack Smith levelled shortly before half-time.
The Dons almost snatched a winner at the death but Trevor Carson tipped George Oakley’s shot onto the post.
The game represented the Robins’ 736th and possibly last Football League fixture and Johnson explained there will be a big turnaround as the club bid to bounce back immediately.
“It’s going to need a pretty big change around over the summer. It’s important to get the right players in, we need those who can affect game, with both goals and assists,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the summer, it’ll take a lot of hard work, phone calls and speaking to old friends of mine, hopefully I’ll be able to call in a few favours.
“I thought the performance was OK, there was a lot of endeavour but we know we’re second from bottom and deserve to be there.
“I needed to have a look at the lads and see which ones are first team material and have enough of a game to make sure we’re in the top few of the Conference next year.”
Wimbledon should have opened the scoring on 20 minutes, but Carson denied Alfie Potter after a fine turn and run inside the box.
And against the run of play the visitors took the lead five minutes later through Berry. The fullback ran into the box and drove a low shot off the inside left post.
The Dons were level one minute before the break. Potter crossed from the left and Adebayo Akinfenwa teed up Smith, who headed home from close range.
The hosts had one final chance two minutes from time, but Carson produced a brilliant stop to tip substitute Oakley’s shot onto the post.
The result means Wimbledon finish 15th in the table and boss Neal Ardley admitted finding a goalscorer is key to turning performances into wins next season.
“The result sums up our season, the chances count was way in our favour but we just can’t finish them off,” Ardley said.
“We gave away a sloppy goal, but we could have had four or five, but ultimately football is won by what happens in the box.
“A striker is on the list. While I can’t take responsibility for the players missing the chances, I need to find someone who can get us those goals.”