Over 500 supporters made the journey to Southend United on Monday – some even by bike – and Robbie Neilson was pleased MK Dons could send them home celebrating a win.
Second-half goals from Joe Walsh and Ben Reeves saw Neilson’s Dons defeat the play-off chasing Shrimpers at Roots Hall – their fourth victory in seven matches – and retain their place inside the top half of Sky Bet League One.
“We had a great support all the way from Milton Keynes and they paid good money to come and support us so we had to put a performance on,” Neilson said after the 2-1 success. “To a man, every single player did that and to get three points is brilliant.
“We had a great support all the way from Milton Keynes and they paid good money to come and support us so we had to put a performance on,” Neilson said after the 2-1 success. “To a man, every single player did that and to get three points is brilliant.
“He has potential. He is a young kid and still has a long way to go but he has come to a difficult place like this and not put a foot wrong. He gave us great energy – as did Rasulo on Friday, who will be disappointed not to start today. I just felt we needed a bit more experience coming here. (Brandon) Thomas-Asante didn't get to come on here either because of the nature of the game but these guys have great futures if they continue to work hard.”
Callum Brittain’s potential
“At this time of the season, it can be difficult to motivate yourself because there’s not a real lot to play for but the key thing we're playing for is pride, and they did that today. It shows the integrity of the players and the Club.”
Self-motivation
Here’s what else Neilson had to say in his post-match interviews...
“It was a pleasing performance all round and that's credit to the players.”
“In the first half, we had a bit of trouble because Southend pressed us really high and aggressively but in the second half we managed the game really well – we created a number of chances and didn't give a lot away.
“I've already spoken to Leicester (City) about having Harvey on loan next season. The key for him at this stage in his career is playing matches and competitive matches like today, where it’s high intensity and there’s a lot at stake. He will get game time here –that's what we have to sell to Leicester.”
Harvey Barnes
“Ben Reeves is a top level player for us and he's one of the key men. If we can keep him here next season, he will be a key player and I definitely want to keep him. We'll try as hard as we can to do that because you saw here today he can be a top player for us.”
Ben Reeves
Harvey Barnes
“Ben Reeves is a top level player for us and he's one of the key men. If we can keep him here next season, he will be a key player and I definitely want to keep him. We'll try as hard as we can to do that because you saw here today he can be a top player for us.”
Ben Reeves
