AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson cursed the way his side allowed Carlisle United to create both their goals at Brunton Park.

The visiting manager, whose side lost 2-1 to Paul Simpson’s hosts, said his team failed to prevent players cutting inside in the crucial moments.

First Callum Guy exchanged passes with Fin Back on the right before firing the Blues' impressive opener.

And later, Omari Patrick’s run and cross from the left was helped on by Jack Armer for Kristian Dennis to head the winner.

It rendered Ayoub Assal’s goal a consolation as the Dons suffered a fourth straight League Two defeat.

“We got ourselves back into the game and then had a really good spell – we felt we might go on and win,” said Jackson in a club interview.

“But both goals we conceded are disappointing to me. It’s something we speak about a lot – not letting players cut inside and getting shots and crosses off.

“It’s happened on both occasions, and the nature of the goals we’re disappointed with.

“At the moment small moments are costing us. It’s frustrating. There was nothing in the game first half, bit of a stalemate.

“Then you go in one down because we allow the player to come back inside.

“That changes the complexion of the game, then we get back in it and had a really good period when we scored.

News and Star: Jackson said Wimbledon failed to shut down Omari Patrick's part in Kristian Dennis's winner (photo: Ben Holmes)Jackson said Wimbledon failed to shut down Omari Patrick's part in Kristian Dennis's winner (photo: Ben Holmes) (Image: Ben Holmes)

“We knew they would rally [again] and that’s when you need to stand up and be strong defensively, and in that moment we weren’t strong enough.

“It’s not shape or tactics or anything like that – it’s penalty boxes and not dealing with situations that are presented. We haven’t dealt with their threats.”

Wimbledon, in a spell which includes last season’s relegation from League Two, have won just two of their last 36 league games.

They fell to 17th after the setback at Brunton Park.

“It’s a good group but in the moments that matter at the moment we’re finding ourselves a bit short” added Jackson.

“There’s no easy solution – we have to work through these tough periods.

“In the last few games, too many aren’t doing enough.”