HODGES: WE ARE READY FOR YOU, U’S

AFC Wimbledon boss Glyn Hodges is expecting a tough test against Oxford today, but is buoyed by their win at Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day.

Rovers had new manager Ben Garner in the dugout following his appointment in place of Graham Coughlan, and the performance of his players left the new man disappointed.

Rovers took a 43rd-minute lead when Jonson ClarkeHarris scored a controversial penalty after Abu Ogogo went down under a challenge from Rod McDonald.

But Wimbledon levelled after 70 minutes, Marcus Forss netting from close range before turning provider for Joe Pigott’s 84th-minute winner.

With three points from that game in the bag, Hodges is looking for his side to build some momentum as they bid to climb away from the wrong end of the table.

Hodges said: “Our next opponents, Oxford, are flying, so that will be another tough test, but it’s good to have a couple of home games to show what we are capable of doing.”

Hodges added: “We have been trying to work out ways of starting games faster and will continue to try to improve in that respect. But the lads deserve a lot of credit for the second half.

“Anyone can beat anyone in League One and I’m pleased with the progress we are making.”

Hodges was unhappy about the penalty award, and said: “It gave us a mountain to climb. The assistant referee told me it was for handball and then the referee said it was for a high boot, so who knows?

“These things happen in football and you have to get on with it.

“The great thing was the way the players responded in the second half when we played really well. Nobody expected us to win here because it is a very tough place to visit and they had a new manager. But Boxing Day always tends to throw up a surprise result or two.”

Garner praised the Rovers fans, even if he was disappointed with the result, and was keen to look on the bright side.

He said: “Overall there were a lot of positives. Now we move on quickly to Fleetwood and will be doing all we can to bounce back quickly.

“The turnout was amazing, as was the reception I received from Gas supporters, and I can only apologise to them for the result. It was disappointing and the players admitted afterwards that they had dropped below their recent standards set this season.” Garner added: “It was good to hear that honesty in the dressing room.

“The first half was really encouraging and it would have been fairer if we had gone in for the interval 2-0 up.”