Paul Tisdale hopes MK Dons can look back on their point at Swindon Town as an important one come the end of the season, although is disappointed that wasn’t all three his side took back to Milton Keynes.
Tisdale’s side came within 30 seconds of a fourth league victory of the season but Swindon substitute Elijah Adebayo netted in the 93rd-minute to cancel out Joe Walsh’s opener and ensure a share of the spoils for his side.
“It’s pretty disappointing to lose two points in the last 30 seconds but generally I’m pleased with how we approached the game,” Tisdale said in his post-match press conference. “Hopefully we can look back on it as a good point at the end of the season, albeit we came very close to all three.
“It feels disappointing because we were that close and it ended with a long ball into the box. We had so much desire to keep it out that maybe too many players went for the header. It then landed to the guy who wacked it in - at 1-0, that is always a possibility.
“We had chances to score a second goal in that 25 minutes after half-time. We had numerous breaks through their midfield and their keeper made some very good saves too. We came very, very close.
“I’m not digging too deep on this one. It’s hard to pick fault because we tried so hard and came very close to three points. If I’m picking on something, we didn’t execute our set-pieces well enough but other than that, I can’t criticise.”
He added: “We’ll gain some more confidence from today. It doesn’t feel like it now but we will. We got a point against a good team. Still unbeaten - we march on.”
Here’s what else Tisdale had to say in his post-match press conference…
On not making a substitution…
“We discussed making a change every minute for the last half an hour but if you’re not sure, do nothing. Sometimes, as a manager, you want your 11 players on the pitch to just gut it out. We were looking solid and we had some chances to break away. They were doing the right things and if I made a change, something would change. They scored with 30 seconds to go so should I have done something? I come back to, if you’re not sure, do nothing. Sometimes you play that card as a manager - let the 11 players see it out and they came so close.”
On Chuks Aneke’s future…
“Absolutely [he has a chance to be involved]. He’s back in training on Monday and he’ll go into the mix with all the other players. He’s now got to focus on what’s in front of him which is, at least, another four months with us. A lot of things can happen in four months. I’m not going to shut any doors or make any promises.”
On Robbie Muirhead’s departure…
“Robbie has moved back to Scotland. He was one of the players who, when I arrived, there was already discussions about whether or not he would stay. It’s the start of a transition process. I think it’s time to start talking about the players who are here now and what happens next.”
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Paul Tisdale and MK Dons now turn their attention to the Checkatrade Trophy - they play host to Peterborough United on Tuesday evening in their first Group H match.
Tickets are priced at just £5 adults and £1 under-18s while under-12s go FREE.
Tickets will be sold on a block-by-block basis, starting in the East Centre. In clubRed, tickets are priced at £10 adults/seniors, £6 under-18s and £5 for under-12s.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at 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 via iFollow MK Dons - click HERE to purchase a Match Pass for £10.
