AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has described the suspected hamstring injury sustained by midfielder James Tilley as "probably the only dampener on the night" after a 2-0 victory at Bromley on Monday.

Tilley, 28, had started the match brightly and played a direct role in the opening goal, picking out Jayden Stockley in the eighth minute to give the Dons an early lead. However, the midfielder was forced off just 20 minutes into the game after pulling up, raising immediate concerns about the nature and severity of the injury.

Jackson keeping his counsel until assessment is complete

Speaking to BBC Radio London after the match, Jackson was cautious about drawing firm conclusions before medical staff have had a proper look. "It looks like a hamstring, with the way he pulled up and felt it," the Dons manager said. "How severe it is I don't know yet; we'll have to assess him over the next couple of days."

Hamstring injuries in football are graded on a scale of one to three: a grade one strain typically means a week or two on the sidelines, while a grade three tear can rule a player out for two months or more. Until Wimbledon's medical staff complete their assessment, the true impact on the squad will remain unclear.

Jackson was keen to acknowledge what Tilley had contributed before leaving the pitch. "He started the game really well, a great ball in for Jayden's goal, and he was popping up in some interesting areas for us on the pitch," he told BBC Radio London. "It's a shame for him."

A key figure in Wimbledon's midfield

Tilley has been an important presence in the Dons' engine room this season. His ability to find pockets of space and deliver in the final third has given AFC Wimbledon an attacking dimension through central areas, and losing him for any significant period would be a notable blow for a squad already managing its resources carefully.

The timing makes the news all the more frustrating for the club. Monday's result at Bromley was a confidence-building victory, and Jackson will want to carry that momentum into upcoming League One fixtures. A prolonged absence for Tilley would require cover either from within the existing squad or, potentially, in the transfer market.

Dons take the points despite setback

For all the concern around Tilley, Wimbledon can take genuine satisfaction from a professional away performance. The early breakthrough, created by Tilley himself, set the tone, and the Dons added a second to secure all three points without reply from the hosts.

Bromley, who have faced questions about their defensive resilience in League One this season, were unable to find a way back into the match, leaving them on the wrong end of the scoreline once again at their own ground.

From AFC Wimbledon's perspective, the three points matter. Jackson's side will be looking to string results together as the third-tier season develops, and a clean sheet on the road is always a foundation worth building on. The manager will now turn his attention to the medical room, hoping the news on Tilley is as positive as it can be.

The club has confirmed the midfielder will be assessed in the coming days, with a clearer picture expected before the week is out.

Frequently asked

How long will James Tilley be out for AFC Wimbledon?
It is not yet known. Tilley is being assessed over the next couple of days for a suspected hamstring injury sustained in Monday's win at Bromley. The severity will determine how long he is sidelined.
What happened to James Tilley in the Bromley vs AFC Wimbledon match?
Tilley pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury just 20 minutes into the 2-0 win at Bromley on Monday, having already set up the opening goal for Jayden Stockley.
Who scored for AFC Wimbledon against Bromley?
Jayden Stockley opened the scoring in the eighth minute, assisted by James Tilley, and the Dons went on to win 2-0.