Paul Tisdale was happy to accept a point after his side were held to a goalless draw by Crewe Alexandra.
MK Dons edged the contest in terms of quality of chances on goal, with Kieran Agard going agonisingly close to scoring late in the first half, but they were forced to play the final seven minutes with 10 men following a red card to Mathieu Baudry.
In the end, they settled for a point - a result which maintains their unbeaten start to the 2018/19 season and a result that their manager was content to take back to Milton Keynes.
“I’m happy with a point,” he said in his post-match press conference. “As the game finished with 10 men, and Crewe on top for that last five or 10 minutes, we held on and I was satisfied with the resolve the players showed to get that point in the end.
“It was a fantastic game of football - it was open at times, we had some really good chances and they had plenty of opportunities into our box which we blocked and defended well. We both had our nervous moments but we had good bodies in the right places to defend and Lee Nicholls comes away with another clean sheet.
“I’m maybe a little disappointed we didn’t put the ball in the net - we’ve got some bits and pieces to improve in terms of patience in the final third - but generally, it’s a positive thing for us to build from."
He concluded: “We are making some good strides forward. [Seven points out of a possible nine] is a good place for us to start from this season.”
Here is what else Tisdale had to say in his post-match press conference...
On the red card...
“The referee made his decision. Although we were reasonably close, we were down the line behind the play so I didn’t really see it. These things happen in a game of football and it doesn’t change my opinion of Matty [Baudry]. We all move on.
On Jordan Moore-Taylor and Jordan Houghton...
“[Jordan Moore-Taylor] seems to be in the right place if not all the time, but most of the time. He’s strong and he can use the ball well too. I’m really pleased with how he’s settled into the side. He’s a good compliment to the players around him. Jordan Houghton in front of him too - they were two players I was quick to bring to the Club and they have both settled in really and showed what they will bring to the team.”
On a quick turnaround...
“Hopefully there’s nothing [injury-wise] from today. We’ve got to keep the players going. Players will be tired but we’re into the season now so it’s important to be robust and your body needs to start coping with the demands. We need to keep players fit and focused - whether there’s one game a week or two. We had to make a few changes at the end due to fatigue. We’ve got to manage our energy a bit better so we don’t blow ourselves out and then I can make changes to try and win the game.”
On players not involved...
“I’m selecting players into the squad which I think best suits the requirements I’m asking. I have been really pleased with what the players have done so anybody on the outside has a target to try and top that and force themselves in.”
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Paul Tisdale's MK Dons are back in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Grimsby Town at Stadium MK.
Tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons members. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for just £5 more while an upgrade to clubRed is available for a £10 premium.
Don’t forget, with a Club Dons membership you can enjoy a £5 discount on 10 EFL matches during the 2018/19 season - Young Dons members are entitled to £1 off all 2018/19 EFL matches. Season Ticket holders can also bring a friend for FREE on one occasion during the campaign while Premier Members can do so twice.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only ticket booths around Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
Can’t make the game? Supporters will be able to watch this match on iFollow MK Dons - click HERE to purchase a Match Pass for £10.
