Manager Paul Tisdale believes MK Dons made the most of their free Saturday.
The Dons were due to begin their 2019/20 campaign this weekend but the EFL’s decision to suspend the fixture with Bury means they won’t kick-off their season until 10 August when they welcome Shrewsbury Town to Stadium MK.
In the absence of a game, Tisdale’s Dons took part in a competitive training match at Woughton on the Green and the manager believes plenty was gained from the morning’s work.
"It was a good decision I think,” Tisdale told iFollow MK Dons.
“There were one or two options but we wanted something which was akin to the challenges and in the fashion on League One football. It dawned on us that there is no better way to do that than against ourselves
“It was a practice game here at Woughton - fully kitted up, referee and linesmen. Two managers, neither of which were me - Danny Butterfield and Matt Oakley managed a team each. We tried to get as much as we could into the game so we applied all our set piece routines.
“We did it properly and we saw what a receptive and well-intended group they are. They did everything we asked of. The players really put every drop of effort into it so I’m really pleased.
“The score was 5-3 so a very entertaining and open game of football. We’ve all come off in one piece too. There were one or two players who really needed to play and they got a game - Baily Cargill played the full game and it’s really good to see him back in the flow.”
He added: “I’ve just congratulated the players on their application. I’ve been around professional football for 30 years and I’ve seen practice games deteriorate in terms of application and discipline but this was done extremely well.”
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MK Dons kick-off their 2019/20 season this coming Saturday afternoon against Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK.
To celebrate the occasion, MK Dons, in association with Circus Magazine, will be hosting a Big Kick Off event prior to the match. This will include live music, food stalls and activities for children outside Stadium MK in the build-up to the clash with the Shrews.
Tickets for the match, and the 2019/20 season, are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult.
Club Dons members are entitled to £5 discount on the matchday price for 10 EFL games while Young Dons members can take advantage of a £1 discount on prices.
To purchase 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.
