AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley bemoaned a late Shrewsbury equaliser that saw his side settle for a draw in the opening game of the season.
“With six minutes to go we were 2–1 up without really being opened up until that point,” he said.
“It wasn't even a great ball in – we had one switch off at the back post, ball-watching, and before you know it their guy's got in round the back for their equaliser.”
The Dons started sluggishly in the first half, allowing Collins to score the division's first goal of the season in just the ninth minute, but Ardley said his side improved as the first period wore on.
“We didn't quite get our zones right for the goal but after that we had an excellent goal from Matt Tubbs and I thought only one team was going to win it. We pushed and pushed.
“Obviously they played four up front chasing the game in the last 10 minutes and even then I didn't think they were going to score until the little slip up. It was a decent performance, an okay point, we'll have to take all the positives we can from that.”
Wimbledon started seven debutants – two of them, Tubbs and Sean Rigg, scored – and Ardley said while he is unlikely to delve back into the transfer market this summer, there is enough left in the transfer kitty should it be needed.
“We might still, if there's anyone young out there that might be worth bringing in and developing, or could come into the squad and make a difference.
“It's probably the best team Wimbledon have ever had on paper. I've got the try and make sure that on grass, it shows. We're really happy with our squad and we'll try to keep them all fit – that's the main thing.”
Last season's starting goalkeeper Ross Worner found himself on the bench for the game as James Shea, a former Arsenal youth goalkeeper signed from Harrow Borough, performed well in goal on his debut.
Ardley said Worner was aware that he would need to do more to win his place back in the side.
“I said to him at the end of last season I would bring someone in to challenge him, I didn't have that last season. I said to them both whoever did best in preseason would start the first game and I've stuck to my word.
“I want Ross to up his game in training so that if anything happens to Shea, be it loss of form or injury, Ross comes in and says 'it's mine now',” Ardley added.
