Paul Tisdale commended his MK Dons players for their application in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Macclesfield Town.
After falling behind at Moss Rose, Tisdale’s fought back through goals from David Wheeler, Callum Brittain and Kieran Agard to secure a fifth straight victory.
It was their first ‘come-from-behind’ win away from home this term and it’s a result which moves them back in to the automatic promotion places in Sky Bet League Two.
“In terms of the application of the team, from start to finish we were excellent,” Tisdale said in his post-match press conference.
“I commended the players for the intent, attitude, their energy and their play from the first minute to the last.
“We did the same things at 1-0 down as we did at 3-1 – we played quick football, we pressed and we competed.
“Macclesfield did well and took the lead but in terms of attacking play, we probably deserved it. It was a good game from us.”
The Dons were forced to come from behind after Silkmen captain Nathan Cameron lashed home a loose ball from a free-kick on 19 minutes.
Macclesfield looked to be carrying that lead into the break but, with time running out in the half, David Wheeler connected with a Conor McGrandles corner to glance home a header and draw his side level.
Tisdale had plenty of praise for his on-loan attacker, who opened his account for the Dons in Cheshire.
“It was a really good goal but the thing that stood out about his performance was his energy and power. David really put the back four under pressure and that's the first job of the centre forward in these conditions. He did not give them an easy game.
“I wouldn't have wanted to play against him and Kieran [Agard] today. They made life difficult. Chuks [Aneke] played his part too and Jake Hesketh came on and added immediately also.”
Boss Tisdale used the half-time break to make a slight change to his formation, introducing Jordan Houghton from the bench in order to form a back three.
It was a switch that proved to be a game-changer, with the Dons going on to score twice in the second period without much in the way of a reply from the hosts.
“I think we did extremely well in the first half - just because we didn't score, it doesn't meant we didn't do well. But, at half-time, we changed the style, and in terms of the flow of the game, yes we had a better second half than first.
“[The substitution] was not a judgement on Ouss - I didn’t change him because I thought he wasn't playing well enough. I felt we needed to change the style and flow and I didn't feel comfortable playing him at centre back because I've not seen him do it. Jordan Houghton was the obvious choice.
“I knew about 20 minutes into the game that that would be the change I wanted to make. I could have waited for 60, 70 minutes but I was bold.”
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Paul Tisdale and MK Dons will look to make it six wins in a row when they travel to Morecambe on Tuesday evening.
Tickets are priced at £21 adults, £17 seniors, £15 young persons/students and £6 under-18s while under-11s go FREE*.
Official Away Travel is available for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £25 Season Ticket holders/members and £26 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 2pm.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from MK Dons up until midday on Tuesday.
Can't make the game? Supporters will be able to watch the match live on iFollow MK Dons - click HERE to purchase a £10 Match Pass!
