Karl Robinson was pleased with the grit and determination shown from his players in their 1-0 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.
With the game heading for a goalless draw, after both teams had cancelled each other out for 87 minutes, defender Antony Kay climbed highest from Shaun Williams’ free-kick to head home and hand the men from MK1 their second win of the season.
The victory sees the Dons climb to 6th in the Sky Bet League 1 table and also maintain their unbeaten start to the League season and manager Robinson was understandably thrilled after the game.
He said: “I thought after 60 minutes it was going to be a stalemate because our two styles were so similar. We tried to play, they tried to play, we knew we could stop them, they knew they could stop us and it wasn’t until the substitutions that the game opened up.
“We weren’t at our best today, we were very tired and we got a bit of luck with their chance towards the end but we showed real grit and determination. A set piece is a very rare way for us to win games too but I was pleased with the effort shown from the players.
“There’s a tremendous togetherness amongst them at the moment. This is a special place to come and it’s always an honour to come and play here, so to take three points away from it is something we’ll remember for a long time.”
Besides the result, another positive for Robinson will be the performance of captain Dean Lewington, who stood out in his first game back for over four weeks.
The left-back, who picked up a knee injury away at Shrewsbury Town earlier this month, only returned to training on Monday but put in an assured defensive performance at the back for the Dons, along with Lee Hodson, who also got a special mention from Robinson after the game.
“I welcomed back Dean Lewington today. I’ve been without him three or four games but I think he showed today why he’s captain of this Football Club.
“I also thought Lee Hodson defended well against the likes of Jamie Murphy and Febian Brandy, some of the better wingers in the League. When you’ve got a one versus one he’s a wonderful defender and a real asset to this Football Club.”
