Carl Baker was delighted to come out on top in his first derby match with Peterborough United.
The 32-year-old played his part as the Dons beat their rivals from Cambridgeshire with three first-half goals – two of which came courtesy of Ben Reeves on his first start in over a month and the other from Will Grigg.
“It was a fantastic result for us,” Baker told Dons Player after the game. “The Gaffer really wanted us to win this game as obviously it’s a local derby, so we were delighted to get the points and send the fans home happy.
“It was nice to be back on our home pitch because we’ve had a lot of tough away games and a lot travelling. The last away result was a good one for us and it made us confident going into this game.
“The lads were fantastic. Reevesy came straight back in and looked sharp and Griggy came up with a great finish as well. We were delighted to get the goals early on and after that we just settled and relaxed and played the way we can do.
“Derby games are always tough to go into but I thought the lads applied themselves really well. We were professional all over the pitch and did what we had to do and, even at 3-0, you could see us not giving them a second on the ball - that was also pleasing to see.”
As well as taking their league goal tally for the season to 66, which ties them for first in the Football League, the Dons also kept their 19th clean sheet of 2014/15.
“The lads are always talking about clean sheets, especially Kyle (McFadzean) - he’s always going on about it and, to be fair, since he’s come back the last two games, he’s been fantastic. The back five, including Ian (McLoughlin), did really well and I’m delighted for them.
“If we keep clean sheets we’re going to win games because we’ve got goals all over the pitch – we’ve shown that all season.”
Saturday’s result, as well as defeats elsewhere for leaders Bristol City and Swindon Town, saw Karl Robinson’s side moved five points clear in second place as well close the gap on top spot to just two.
Although Baker says he was pleased to see the teams around the Dons slipping up, the midfielder insists the players are only concentrating on themselves.
“First and foremost we’ve got to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we get the points week-in and week-out, but it’s always nice to go back into the dressing room, put the TV on and see the other results have gone in our favour.
“It’s nice to see teams around us dropping points but we’ve got some big games coming up before the end of the season so we just need to keep doing what we’re doing and focusing on ourselves.”
Baker returns to a former club this Saturday when the Dons face Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena - tickets for the match are priced at £22 for adults, £15 for seniors, £15 for U21s and £11 for U16s.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
“It was a fantastic result for us,” Baker told Dons Player after the game. “The Gaffer really wanted us to win this game as obviously it’s a local derby, so we were delighted to get the points and send the fans home happy.
“It was nice to be back on our home pitch because we’ve had a lot of tough away games and a lot travelling. The last away result was a good one for us and it made us confident going into this game.
“The lads were fantastic. Reevesy came straight back in and looked sharp and Griggy came up with a great finish as well. We were delighted to get the goals early on and after that we just settled and relaxed and played the way we can do.
“Derby games are always tough to go into but I thought the lads applied themselves really well. We were professional all over the pitch and did what we had to do and, even at 3-0, you could see us not giving them a second on the ball - that was also pleasing to see.”
As well as taking their league goal tally for the season to 66, which ties them for first in the Football League, the Dons also kept their 19th clean sheet of 2014/15.
“The lads are always talking about clean sheets, especially Kyle (McFadzean) - he’s always going on about it and, to be fair, since he’s come back the last two games, he’s been fantastic. The back five, including Ian (McLoughlin), did really well and I’m delighted for them.
“If we keep clean sheets we’re going to win games because we’ve got goals all over the pitch – we’ve shown that all season.”
Saturday’s result, as well as defeats elsewhere for leaders Bristol City and Swindon Town, saw Karl Robinson’s side moved five points clear in second place as well close the gap on top spot to just two.
Although Baker says he was pleased to see the teams around the Dons slipping up, the midfielder insists the players are only concentrating on themselves.
“First and foremost we’ve got to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we get the points week-in and week-out, but it’s always nice to go back into the dressing room, put the TV on and see the other results have gone in our favour.
“It’s nice to see teams around us dropping points but we’ve got some big games coming up before the end of the season so we just need to keep doing what we’re doing and focusing on ourselves.”
Baker returns to a former club this Saturday when the Dons face Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena - tickets for the match are priced at £22 for adults, £15 for seniors, £15 for U21s and £11 for U16s.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
