MK Dons enjoyed yet more success at Loftus Road on Saturday as they progressed into the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to Ousseynou Cisse’s second-half goal.
Conor McGrandles played a starring role during the win over the Sky Bet Championship side and following this final whistle, the Scottish midfielder was quick to praise his teammates.
“Everyone is willing to run for each other and do the hard yards for each other," he told the media after the game. "I think that showed.
"Everyone knows exactly what their jobs are and the gaffer drilled that into us. You can see with the defensive display today that it worked."
He continued: “We’re buzzing. We knew it was going to be a tough game and we’d have to try everything we could to stop them playing and try to impose ourselves – we did that, so all the boys are happy.”
Despite a run of indifferent results and playing a QPR side who play their football a division above the Dons, McGrandles was always confident it would be his side progressing into the next round.
“We said before the game to each other that we were very confident of coming to Loftus Road and winning the game and I think within the first five minutes we knew we had a real chance.
"In the first-half we created some good chances - Robbie Muirhead hit the post early on and we had a few good breakaways.
“We said at half-time we needed to take that into the second-half and I think we did. Although we were more defensive, I think we were good value for the win.”
He added: “They had a few chances but we knew we were going to have to ride the storm. The back four and Lee Nicholls were superb during that 15-minute spell and it really helped us get through it. We knew if we got through that spell there would be a chance for us to take it – and we did.”
McGrandles signed on at Stadium MK in the summer from Norwich City and despite knowing it would be difficult to earn his place in the starting XI, the midfielder has certainly taken the chance presented to him with both hands.
“I knew the quality that was in the team when I joined and I knew it would be hard to get myself in the side. It was all about taking my chances once I was in the side and I’m really happy the gaffer has stuck by me in this run and grateful he’s been happy to let me improve myself.
“I think in the last few weeks my game has improved. There were a few blips but I’m getting better and better – and I’ve still got more to come. Neil MacFarlane, Stevie Crawford and the Gaffer work me every day and John Hill puts me through my paces in the gym to make me a better player.”
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McGrandles and MK Dons will look to continue the winning feeling on Saturday when they take on AFC Wimbledon 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.
Postcode restrictions apply - click HERE for more information!
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/centre:mk store or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
