Manager Karl Robinson deflected the praise onto his players after MK Dons began the npower League 1 campaign with a win at Walsall.

Defender Danny Woodards' maiden career goal gave the Dons only their second opening-day victory in seven attempts, after Manny Smith's header had cancelled out Sam Baldock's first-half opener.

It was a deserved three points from Robinson's first game in charge, and the rookie boss was quick to praise the application of his excellent side.

Robbo told the media after the game: "It's nothing to do with me, it's about the players that took the park for our Football Club this afternoon. The way they conducted themselves, the way they moved the ball around and their enthusiasm for Milton Keynes Dons was immense. I just hope that continues.

"We held our shape well at the end. Okay, there was some last minute defending but you're going to get that when a team is trying to put you under pressure. To a man - from the strikers working hard, to the midfielders knowing their roles, to the defenders knowing what to do - I was really pleased with them all.

"I'm disappointed about conceding a goal from a set piece, but you know you have good people in your dressing room when they come in and hold their hands up. The person responsible held their hands up as soon as they came in and that says a lot.

"The people who take to the pitch are the most important people at this Football Club and if we keep doing the right things often enough we will get success."

Danny Woodards celebrates his winner with Sam Baldock and Sean O'Hanlon.

A 700-strong travelling crowd were at the Banks' Stadium to see their side get off to a winning start, including four non-playing members of the Dons squad - a gesture Robinson felt summed up the togetherness around the Club at present.

He said: "What people don't know is that today we had Peter Leven, Aaron Wilbraham, Mathias Kouo-Doumbé and Gary MacKenzie all here supporting their friends and team-mates. That, to me, is the sign of a strong squad with the right intentions.

"The fans travelled in their hundreds today and we just want to make them proud. They spend an awful lot of time and money and you have to pay that back with performances and good football.

"We're not getting carried away just yet, it's still very early-on and a lot of things can still go up and down, but we'll stick together - fans, players and staff."

More reaction from the Dons camp, including extended interviews with Karl Robinson and match-winner Danny Woodards, coming soon on MK Dons Player.