McLaughlin now aims to build on Dons draw with three points on Tuesday night
Conor McLaughlin believes Fleetwood Town’s goalless draw against AFC Wimbledon at Highbury on Saturday was ‘a step in the right direction’ – despite not winning the game.
The Cod Army got back to keeping a clean sheet and nearly won the match themselves with Nathan Pond’s late headed effort.
However, McLaughlin argued that being tight at the back was the first priority following recent defeats.
“The main thing was that we kept the clean sheet, even though we maybe could have nicked a goal,” said McLaughlin.
“It was a scrappy game and there were not many chances between the two teams, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction after Tuesday night.”
“We haven’t managed to beat them the last few times we’ve played against them. They make it hard for teams because they’re hard to break down.”
Chances were few and far between for either Fleetwood or Wimbledon at the weekend but the best fell to Pond when he headed wide Antoni Sarcevic’s corner in the closing stages.
McLaughlin said: “On other days, that will go in, but we’re just missing that little bit of luck at the minute. If that goes in its 1-0 and everyone is happy.”
Town now turn their attention to a rearranged fixture at Newport County on Tuesday evening after the original game at Rodney Parade was postponed because of the pitch’s condition.
The Exiles came from behind to pinch a 2-2 draw at home to second-placed Scunthorpe United on Saturday, and McLaughlin feels they will be a similar challenge to Neal Ardley’s Wimbledon.
“It’s going to be very tough,” said McLaughlin. “When we went to Newport the first time, we saw the state of the pitch and I don’t think it’s going to be much better on Tuesday.
“It’s probably going to be another scrappy game but I think we have shown against Wimbledon that we can do that side of the game.
“As you’ve seen in this league, anyone can take points off anyone so we’ll have to be right at it again as we were on Saturday and defend sensibly and hopefully we’ll get that bit of luck at the other end.”