Karl Robinson dedicated Saturday’s 3-0 success over rivals Peterborough United to the Dons supporters.
“I told the players to pay back the fans, because this is the one they want,” he said. “We put ourselves on the line and every second ball we fought for. The players have no energy left.
“You very rarely get afternoons like this. The players today have put their bodies on the line and showed the fans how much they care.”
He added: “The players’ appetite in the first half was sensational. The team selection was right. The intensity was great, and in some ways we played even better in the second half.
“We had some great chances to score even more. This is a big game for both teams. We set out our stall very early.”
Following Will Grigg’s early opener, Ben Reeves was at the double with two fine strikes, while Samir Carruthers impressed after coming in for the injured Dele Alli in midfield.
“We have missed Ben Reeves,” he said. “You could see that when he came on against Gillingham, and then replaced Dele Alli on Tuesday against Colchester.
“We’ve had to drip feed him back in. He has been for nearly three week, but in years gone by, we would’ve had to put him straight back in.
“But we’ve been allowed to slowly bring him in when he’s ready. And he’s ready now.”
“Samir showed everyone his hunger and desire for the cause.
“We thought we were going to lose Dele in the summer, so I brought Samir in. We prepared right!”