AFC Wimbledon let two points slip at Carlisle but Neal Ardley was adamant they didn’t lose their pride at Brunton Park.

Andy Barcham continued the impressive start to his Dons career by netting the opener in Cumbria but Jabo Ibehre claimed a share of the spoils for the hosts after the restart.

However, Ardley spoke positively about the performance to Dons Player in the wake of the stalemate and went over to thank the travelling Wimbledon supporters for making the long journey.

Here’s what the manager had to say at full-time on Saturday…

Thank you to supporters

“All our fans are fantastic, but the ones who travel away make a good day of it.

“I went and gave them a salute at the end. For the fans to give their whole day up to come and support us is fantastic.

“They made a lot of noise. Although at times we lacked quality, hopefully they can see that the boys gave it absolutely everything.

“They may be disappointed when they get on the train home that we did not get the three points, but hopefully they are proud.”

Dons faithful: AFC Wimbledon supporters

Happy with the point?

“A point is good away from home. I was concerned going into this game that we had to get our shape right without the ball.

“It is a massive pitch here and they play a very open game. Keith Curle has changed their style around after keeping them up last season.

“They have been causing a lot of teams problems, even though they had not been winning games.”

Hamstring complaint: Dannie Bulman

Injury problems

Ardley confirmed to Dons Player that Dannie Bulman, who was forced off during the first-half, was withdrawn with a hamstring problem.

Tom Elliott was substituted in the second period and the Dons boss admitted he was struggling with a groin strain.

Wimbledon return to action this weekend when Exeter City visit Kingsmeadow.