James Ball, a midfielder, was lauded by Johnnie Jackson after he substituted at centre back in AFC Wimbledon’s 4-0 thumping of Carlisle on Saturday.
Alongside Riley Harbottle and Isaac Ogundere in a back three defence, the 28-year-old was given the middle position.
Ball began in the same position in the EFL Trophy match against Crawley of League One; the Dons prevailed 4-3, with Ryan Johnson having just returned from injury and Joe Lewis expected to miss a month due to injury.
former player for Rochdale Ball made five clearances and two blocks in the ninety minutes while serving as the team’s captain for the first time since he joined at the beginning of the 2023–24 season.
Jackson remarked, “Bally was brilliant.”
“I have to say with the way he’s slotted in there – he did it in the week against Crawley too – we had the confidence to go with him on Saturday because he was good in midweek as well.
“I got everything that I wanted from him – he was the captain and leader out there. He organised in front of himself. When he had to defend, he did that too.”
James Tilley played a crucial role in helping the Dons get back to winning ways in League Two following their 1-0 defeat at Salford, setting up three goals in their thrashing of Mike Williamson’s side.
Tilley set up Matty Stevens twice and also delivered the corner for Cameron Harper to turn the ball into his own net.
The 26-year-old – who played as an attacker last season – has been turned into a left wing-back this season.
“Tills is quality on his left foot,” said Charlton legend Jackson.
His deliveries on Saturday – he put them on the money. He was outstanding. It’s important that when you have a delivery such as that, you have people who want to come and attack it.
“It all came together. It was a really good team performance – I don’t want to dig too many people out when the team has played so well.”
Jackson was able to take off Omar Bugiel and Stevens with Wimbledon 4-0 up in the 72nd minute, bringing on Josh Kelly and Joe Pigott to see out the game.
“That’s why we moulded the squad the way that we have,” he said.
“We just felt in previous seasons gone by, when you have to make changes and you’re looking around at your bench, perhaps the drop off from the ones out there was too big.
We currently have two excellent players at each position. As a coach, it provides you comfort to know that when you make the adjustments, the bench will actually improve rather than perform worse.
“I possess four skilled strikers.” They have all got massive roles to play.”
