Paul Tisdale is expecting a tough test this afternoon when his MK Dons side take on a resurgent Northampton Town outfit at Stadium MK.
This weekend’s match sees two of the division’s most in-form sides go head-to-head with the Dons on a three-game winning streak and the Cobblers unbeaten in their previous three league encounters, having beaten previously undefeated Forest Green Rovers just last weekend.
“They have had three very good results against three good teams, so you can see that Keith Curle has already made an impact,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference. “They're competitive and so we'll really need to be on our toes on Saturday.
“Keith has done a really good job already in the first two weeks and I'm sure there will be a lot more to come.
“He did a very good job at Carlisle [United] to make his team effective and he did things then that I’ve learned from - you try and take something from every manager and team you play, and with Keith there are elements I admire.
“I'm still finding my feet in the region and with the club so I don’t know how much of a derby it is but it’s a local game so no-matter how you look at it, there will be more travelling support than normal and Northampton will want to win and pick up three points for their new manager.”
While Northampton will be buoyant after their success last weekend, the Dons can also be confident having made a perfect start to October in the league - winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal.
“I am [pleased with the form] but there's still a lot of room for development and improvement,” Tisdale said. “The work continues.
“Of course, it’s better to be developing while in a good run of form and I'm not taking it lightly – it's damn hard to win in professional football and you can never guarantee it will continue.”
Here’s what else Tisdale had to say in his pre-match press conference...
On injuries...
“They're edging back. It was great to see Conor McGrandles, Peter Pawlett, Ryan Harley and Mathieu Baudry all training and doing the lion share of the training [on Thursday] so they're on the way back. Being robust enough for full training is another thing, but it was great to see.
On players returning being a boost...
“They have been players for us but they will feel like new signings. We've got four players there who would challenge for a starting spot in our team, who I hope will be available in the next two weeks. Competition will go up a notch and if you're winning games, that's a very good thing for a manager to have.”
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Tickets for today's Sky Bet League Two clash with Northampton Town can be bought right up until kick-off 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.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only ticket booths or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
