MK Dons progressed through to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy as group winners on Tuesday, much to the delight of manager Robbie Neilson.
Neilson’s side won a thriller at the Kassam Stadium – a game which included seven goals and three lead changes.
The victory booked the Dons a place in the next round of the EFL competition and secured them a home tie, to be played in early December.
“I'm really pleased to get the win,” Neilson said in his post-match interview.
“It was a really entertaining game and thankfully we've come away with the points and a home draw in the next round.
“The league is the bread and butter for us but this is another chance of winning some silverware, so we have to use it. Yes, in the beginning it was a fitness thing but we're into the knockouts where we’ll be playing at home so we'll look to progress as far as we can.
“I know the club won it some years ago and I'd like to do it again.”
Here’s what else Neilson had to say about the victory...
Praise for midfielders
“We knew with Brandon Thomas-Asante in there and Aidan Nesbitt too, they probably wouldn't give us the defensive side we wanted but they’d certainly give us the attacking game we needed. [Gboly] Ariyibi and [Robbie] Muirhead provided a real threat too. When we were attacking, there were times we really lit it up."
Victories in the two cup competitions
“I was pleased with both of them. These games are difficult for the players and they had to remain professional – over the two games, they did that.”
Carrying the two last two results into the league
“We have been through a difficult period to be honest. We had really good periods attacking-wise but poor defensively and vice-versa. We hope we're getting back to strong attacks and keeping people out as well.”
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Robbie Neilson and MK Dons will look to make it three wins from three when they take on Fleetwood Town at Stadium MK.
Tickets for the clash are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and under-21s, and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE* with a Young Dons (Plus) membership. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for £5 or to clubRed for £10.
What’s more, groups of 20 or more who book tickets in one transaction qualify for a discounted rate of £15 adults, £10 over-65s and £3 under-18s.
To book tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
