Blackpool camp is prepared for a different AFC Wimbledon test

The Dons make the trip to Bloomfield Road today languishing in the bottom four, a point adrift of safety.

Their troubles led to Glyn Hodges being given the sack at the end of January, having overseen an 11-game winless streak.

Wimbledon, known for their physical, direct approach, were 1-0 winners against Blackpool earlier in the season, a game where Neil Critchley’s side ended with nine men after Ethan Robson and Dan Ballard were sent off.

With Dons’ interim manager Mark Robinson now in permanent charge, Critchley expects them to be an entirely different proposition.

“It will be a different challenge to the one we faced earlier in the season,” Pool’s head coach said.

“They’ve got a new manager in Mark Robinson who plays a different way, a different style.

“The players are getting used to that style and the change in how they approach games, but going to Shrewsbury away from home in midweek and drawing is a good point.

“We know how difficult it is to go to Shrewsbury and try and get something, so that will give them some confidence.

“They’ll be coming to our place on Saturday looking to back that up, so it’s another tough game.

“They like to play football. Whether it’s right or wrong, the new manager has tried to implement a new way and that’s his way.

“They’ve got some good attacking players and they like to play some football, just as Crewe did on Tuesday.

“It should be a really good game of football, but we have to improve certain areas of our play that let us down in midweek.

“Again, we’re at home, we have good form here and it’s up to us to keep it going and try and pick up three points.”

Now playing for Wimbledon is former Blackpool defender Ben Heneghan, who made the move to the capital in November.

The 27-year-old enjoyed two loan spells with the Seasiders, making 80 appearances in total and scoring four times.

“It will be good to see some familiar faces and I’m looking forward to playing if I’m selected,” Heneghan said ahead of today’s game.

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