There were a whole host of positives for manager Paul Tisdale to take from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup success over Charlton Athletic at Stadium MK.
The 3-0 victory saw his side progress through to Round Two of the competition and maintain their 100 percent start to the 2018/19 season.
Tisdale also witnessed number of impressive performances from his players and saw Dylan Asonganyi and Ryan Watson score their first goals for the Club - the former netting his first goal in senior football.
“I was really pleased with the commitment and the focus to do the things I’d asked of them,” Tisdale said in his post-match press conference.
“To get a win is lovely - it’s another game and another win for us. We’re generating some energy and some confidence and that’s really important.
“We had players today who were coming in to the side, making their first starts, with something to gain by playing well, and I thought they were all committed. We’ve got some work to do in terms of developing the team, which we’re in the middle of, and today was a really important part of that.
“There were some really good performances there. It was great for Dylan to score his first goal for us. I thought Ryan Watson’s goal was excellent - he gained from the confidence of that and really came into the game in the second half.
“I thought it was impressive to see the likes of Mitch Hancox, Ryan Watson and David Kasumu playing 90 minutes when they haven’t played a lot of football. It was good for them to get minutes under their belt.”
Tuesday’s win secured MK Dons’ third straight victory to start the 2018/19 campaign - the first time that the Club has ever won its first three matches at the start of a season.
Although there is a long way to go for his side, Tisdale is happy with the early returns and is pleased with the progress being made by his squad.
“We’re making progress,” he added. “It is early days and we’ve still got a lot of work to do but generally speaking, I’m really pleased with how it is going so far.”
Here’s what else Tisdale had to say after Tuesday’s game...
On Dylan Asonganyi...
“We know he’s a goalscorer but he’s got a lot to learn in other parts of his game - contributing to defending and contribute to the build up of play. I was really pleased with him tonight, though.”
On David Kasumu...
“[David] gained confidence through the game. You can’t expect too much from a player who is maybe out of comfort zone a little bit but he grew into the game and he did really, really well. I’m pleased for him and everyone here who has played a part in his development, getting him to this point where he can play 90 minutes for the first team.”
On Charlton’s young side...
“Whatever Charlton chose to do is their prerogative. We still had to win the game and we still had to commit to it.”
On Jordan Houghton’s withdrawal at half-time...
“It was precautionary. He was feeling something but I don’t think it’s going to be serious. I know Jordan Moore-Taylor can play in that position and he came on and did it comfortably. It was nice to get him re-acquainted with that position, in case he ever has to do it.”
On Ousseynou Cisse...
“I thought he was excellent. He was confident and there was an element of vitality to his game. I had to slow him down a bit in the first half because sometimes less is more - sometimes you can stand still and still have an impact, if you’re in the right areas.”
On strength in depth being on show...
“I wouldn’t say it’s a headache. It’s part of energising the team and building the team. We’re more than just 11 players. We have to get through this month fit for purpose as possible. There were plenty of players edged towards that tonight.”
On Chuks Aneke talks...
“No progress [from Saturday]. It’s something we’ll have to come on to at another time.”
On Peter Pawlett and Conor McGrandles’ progress...
“Peter is going to be a while yet. He’s still in a boot and on crutches which, I think, says it all. Conor goes in for some more tests in the next week or two.”
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Paul Tisdale and MK Dons are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Crewe Alexandra.
Tickets are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors, £10.50 under-17s and £6.50 under-11s. Tickets for adults with a disability are priced at £17.
Travel is available for £19 Season Ticket holders and £20 all other supporters, with coaches departing Stadium MK at 10.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
