Josh Kelly’s two goals in his first two Dons appearances were not comforting to the striker, as on the penultimate Saturday of the League Two season, we were not able to secure a play-off spot.
Ten-man Wimbledon twice rallied, but our February deadline day signing from Solihull Moors scored twice in the second half as Wimbledon ran out of time and lost the battle for points at Tranmere.
After the 3-2 loss at Prenton Park, Josh said, “I was happy to score my first goal, but it doesn’t really mean anything now that we’ve lost the game and the play-offs are gone.”
We conceded two goals far too easily in the first half, and from then on, it became very difficult to recover. It didn’t help that John-Joe O’Toole received a red card. I’m not happy with the way it ended.
Omar Bugiel played a fantastic through ball with my first, slipping it down the side where I could see a small opening at the front post, so I simply stepped through it.
Omar executed a fantastic flick for the second, which found its way straight to my back post. I must get more of those points.
Up until the end of January, Josh had scored 14 goals for his previous club this season, which piqued Wimbledon’s interest in bringing him to Plough Lane.
Josh acknowledged, “Having gone through it now, it has strengthened my mental fortitude.” However, I had been aimless for some time and I understand how it feels.
It’s been difficult because I was expected to score right away, but it took some time for it to happen.
“I must admit that every boy has been encouraging to me. Nobody has publicly disgraced me. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far, and everyone has been helpful.
Josh started thinking about the upcoming season even as the Dons’ improved season was coming to an end.
Josh went on, “We have to try to put on a strong show for our final home game, which is against Walsall next Saturday, and then prepare for the following season.”
This has a great deal of potential. All we have to do is leave for the summer, make sure everyone works hard, and return prepared to try and get promoted automatically.
“The idea of that excites me greatly. Hopefully, I can maintain my fitness and have another successful season as I prepare for my first full preseason with the Dons.
“The only positive thing I can personally take away from this game is that it felt good to finally get the monkey off my back after waiting for it for quite some time.”
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