For the second home game in a row, Paul Tisdale’s MK Dons were forced to remain patient in their quest for three points - and for the second home in a row, they were rewarded for that patience.
Just like against Macclesfield Town in their last Stadium MK outing, the Dons had to wait until the second half to break down a well-drilled Morecambe side - Alex Gilbey the man on the scoreshet for Tisdale's side.
The 2-0 win sent the men from MK1 back to the top of the Sky Bet League Two table and while Tisdale isn’t getting carried away by the standings, he was delighted with the result.
“Really pleased,” he said in his post-match press conference. “It was a bit like the Macclesfield game when it took us until the 60th minute and I said the same thing to the players at half-time tonight as I did against Macclesfield - don’t get tired of doing the right thing and eventually it changes.
“I’ve come up against Jim’s Morecambe team for quite a few years now and they are very well-drilled. As much as we wanted to play better, we knew there was a danger there and we didn’t want to give it away.
“I was pretty sure we’d get a chance if we kept the ball moving. For all the play that we had, the goal came from a loose ball. It was beautifully taken, though - a side-foot finish from 22-yards. It was a really good goal and it brought the game to life a little bit.
“We could have scored a third but I’m really pleased with the 2-0 win.”
The task wasn’t made easy for the Dons, who lost both Jordan Moore-Taylor and Chuks Aneke to injury either side of half-time.
Moore-Taylor’s withdrawal saw Jordan Houghton move into an unorthodox centre-back position while Aneke’s injury came moments after fellow striker Kieran Agard had come off as part of a tactical switch.
“It was a really odd game,” Tisdale said. “Often you can plan your substitutions and how you want the game to be altered - tonight I couldn’t! It was just about dealing with the circumstances.
“With Jordan Moore-Taylor coming off early and us having to change and adapt. It took us a while to settle again after that. We got it going again, though.”
MK Dons now have a mini-break until their Sky Bet League Two clash with Carlisle United on Saturday 8th December so how will the team spend their free weekend?
“We’ll have a weekend off!” Tisdale said - can’t imagine too many will begrudge him and his side that.
Here’s what else Tisdale had to say in his post-match press conference...
Fingers crossed for Jordan and Chuks
“I think there’s a pretty good chance he will be [out]. I don’t think it’s great but I don’t know how bad it is. Fingers crossed. With Chuks, I’m hoping we’ve just been wise enough to come off before he made it bad. Hopefully it’s just a twinge but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
Praise for goalscorer Gilbey
“I was delighted with his performance. We’ve been ribbing him a little about not being able to find the net this year so it was timely brace! He’s delighted and if he continues to add those goals to his game then he’s really going to be a big asset for us.”
Conor impresses in first league start since return
“My biggest mention would have to go to Conor McGrandles. To play 90 minutes and to play as well as he did, given that he’s been out for so long - I’m absolutely delighted for him. He had a round of applause from the players in the dressing room afterwards which was a real nice touch.”
D’Ath makes an impact
“I thought Lawson D’Ath did a wonderful job in the second half - it was his type of game and he looked sprightly off the front, linking the play.”
Squad depth to come into play
“We’ve got a deep squad and we’ll have to use it. I trust the players we have. It’s at this point of the season that you often get tested and we’re getting tested now. We came through it today. Next challenge is in 10 days time and we’ll have to meet that challenge with the players we’ve got fit.”
A timely 10-day break
“We didn’t plan for it and we didn’t wish for it but you make advantage of every situation. It’s a pretty good job there’s a break, I think. It’s timely.”
Tis sticking to the same tune
“Same response from me - there’s a long way to go. I’d be delighted if we keep having the same conversation [about being top of the table] between now and the end of the season, let’s put it that way. Keep asking me and I will keep saying the same thing - there’s a long way to go!”
Baudry ‘a long way off’
“He’s picked up a few injuries. Often is the case when you have a small injury, you come back and you get another one. We need him but he’s not fit and available. He’s coming back to training but he’s a way off. It’s a shame because he’s been dying for his opportunity.”
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MK Dons return to action on Saturday 8th December when they welcome Carlisle United to 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.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
