Paul Tisdale recognises that Saturday’s encounter with AFC Wimbledon is more than just another game for MK Dons, but knows it’s his job to ensure that the preparation and approach remains the same for the players.
Tisdale and the Dons take on AFC Wimbledon this Saturday lunchtime in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Stadium MK. Kick-off is at 12 noon.
This is Tisdale’s second experience of the fixture as MK Dons manager following the Carabao Cup tie in South London earlier this season and speaking ahead of the match, he acknowledged what victory would mean to the supporters and the Club.
“It’s not just another game,” Tisdale told the media in his pre-match press conference.
“We have to prepare in the same way – it’s a football field and it’s 11 v 11 but it’s not just another game, because the people on the periphery and all the things that go on around the game, makes it different.
“Our job is to make it as ordinary as possible for the players. We know the dynamic of this game but there is still the matter of trying to beat the opposition, with three points at stake.
“We know it’s a different game but we’re going to try just as hard as we do in any other game.”
He continued: “Of course [I do feel a responsibility]. The fans would like me to say we’re going to try even harder for this game but we try as hard as we can every single game anyway.
“I know it means a lot to the supporters. We do understand, we empathise and yes, we do really want to win, but it’s not about how much we want to win, it’s whether we know how to and we’ll be trying to work out how to.”
The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last month – a tie in which the Dons prevailed courtesy of a penalty shoot-out.
“It was a really good, close game,” Tis recalled. “We played really well and we were delighted to have won it, but they showed real gumption to come back and get a late goal to take it to penalties.
“We have seen each other once before this season so we’re beginning to get a bit of context, but it was a month ago and there will be a different set of players, I’m sure, on Saturday.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with AFC Wimbledon are on sale to supporters with ticketing history on the Club’s database or those with the following postcodes: MK, LU, SG, NN, OX, HP, CB, PE, AL, CV. Any supporter who doesn’t fit the above criteria will not be able to purchase tickets for this fixture.
Tickets for the match are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult. Supporters can upgrade to premium seats in the East Centre for a £5 premium while an upgrade to clubRed is just £10 more.
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.
