JOHNNIE & DONS' TROPHY DREAM

UPBEAT Johnnie Jackson believes his AFC Wimbledon underdogs have got a ‘great opportunity’ to go all the way in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

- John Lyons

A James Tilley double against Oxford on Tuesday night helped the Dons reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in a decade. It also took their participation fee (£20,000) and prize money (£75,000) to a total closing in on £100,000 – with another £50,000 on offer if they can beat Peterborough or Crawley away in the last eight.

While the financial rewards are welcome, Jackson’s focus is on trying to lead his side to Wembley and bagging some silverware.

Focus

After finishing run ners-up in their group behind fellow quarter-finalists Wycombe, the League Two Dons have shown they should be underestimated at their peril – they romped to a superb 5-2 success at third tier leaders Portsmouth before Christmas and have now followed it up by knocking out another League One promotion chaser in Oxford.