Paul Tisdale reserved special praise for three of his players after Tuesday’s victory over AFC Wimbledon and one member of his management team.
MK Dons progressed through to Round Two of the Carabao Cup after an eventual tie at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, one which included missed spot kicks, late drama and stunning strikes as well as a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.
After the match, Tisdale praised his entire squad for their ‘gutsy’ showing but did reserve special mentions for four individuals for their role in the win.
“It's not often I congratulate a keeper and his coach after a game but I thanked Mel Gwinnett and Lee Nicholls for trusting in each other,” Tisdale told the media.
“They practice and they research. Lee has to execute and do his job and Mel played a role in that too.
“David Kasumu came out of left field [in terms of selection] but he did so well in pre-season that he earned his start. He was great and what a brilliant goal – I don't think he even knew he scored because he looked surprised! But well done to him.
“It's no surprise but [Regan Poole] seems tailor-made for our system – I get things right sometimes I suppose!
“With him and Baily [Cargill] coming in, it shows what we've got in reserve. You can't miss the link between the injuries we had to the back line last year and the way our play dried up.
“We defend from the front and attack from the back. Those players have a big responsibility to start that flow. I aim to make sure we have a squad that can retain the attacking intent from the back, even with an injury or two.”
