Simpson: Why Carlisle United's draw at AFC Wimbledon could be massive

The Blues and the Dons played out a 0-0 draw at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

It was enough to keep Carlisle third after a game where they had the better of the chances.

Simpson rued United’s inability to make their best efforts count in front of goal – but was otherwise delighted with his side’s work in south London.

“We all know how long the journey is and we know how good Wimbledon’s home record is,” United’s manager said.

“We had to dig in and defend for our lives but I think as the game went on we looked the team that was more likely to get the goal.

“As much as I’m delighted with the way we worked and defended, I just felt we needed a bit more quality in the final third.

READ MORE: Our big match verdict on AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Carlisle United

“Maybe we needed some luck as well, when the balls were bobbling around, but it’s a good point for us.

“We want to stay up in those top places and we have an opportunity with the next two home games to get more points.

“Mansfield are a strong side, Colchester are the form team, so we have to go and do it right. If we do, this becomes a huge point for us.”

Carlisle’s 12th clean sheet was coupled with a failure to score for a second game in a row.

But with none of the top five teams able to win, they held onto third place and lost no ground to their rivals.

Morgan Feeney shows his appreciation to United's travelling fans (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson felt the substance of his team’s performance against the Dons was undeniable.

“After the first 20-odd minutes where it was really scrappy and a bit bitty sort of performance, I thought we showed real control,” he said.

“I thought we got into good areas, passed the ball well, and I'll say it again – these [Wimbledon] are a good side.

“This is not a team of mugs. Johnnie [Jackson] has got a really good side together here and we've given them a lot of problems, but just not enough to get all three points.”

On United’s inability to make their pressure count, Simpson said: “I just think it was finding the right pass, the right cross and the right decision when to shoot and when to take the extra pass, that sort of thing.

“This isn't a complaint because we've been fantastic at it this season. Sometimes you go through little spells where you've got to work really, really hard to get a goal. And we've just had that a little bit for the last two games. That hopefully will change soon.”

Simpson, meanwhile, had warm words of praise for Carlisle’s travelling support after a magnificent following of 1,024 cheered them on in south London.

It was the third longest trip of the League Two season for the Blues.

The manager said: “It’s absolutely incredible, brilliant.

“To make this journey down like they have, and the ones who have travelled across from the south, it’s just superb.

“Credit to the players for putting on performances and getting results that makes them want to come, but massive credit to them for responding and coming in numbers.

“We just need to keep performing so they keep coming for as long as we can.”