Liam Manning believes MK Dons have shown they have what it takes to fight and battle for three points.
Despite not being at their fluent best on Saturday afternoon, Manning’s men were still able to secure a 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at Stadium MK and make it back-to-back home wins.
“We showed today we can win in a different way,” the MK Dons Head Coach said in his post-match press conference. “What we showed today is, when it's a battle, a scrap and a fight at times, we've got the group willing to do that - I'm proud of how we went about our business.
“When the opposition set up like that, and credit to them, it's difficult and frustrating. We had moments when we tried to play and elements of bravery to get success but it was really difficult.
“So, it's a really pleasing result. The skipper said it in the changing room that we'd have lost that type of game last season. If you want to do well in this game, it's not about playing well and looking attractive every week - ideally, we'd like it to do that but there will be games we have to grind it out.”
He added: “It wasn’t a classic and not one many people will watch back but, ultimately, we've come away with three points.”
Here is what else Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On the timing of Mo Eisa’s goal…
“The timing of the goal played a huge part in the outcome. We could go in (at half-time) and have a slightly different conversation with the players and be a bit more relaxed. Coming in at 0-0 would have seen a few more frustrated faces. The goal put us at ease.”
It's not a classic, not one many people will watch back but we've come away with three points.”
On Matt O’Riley’s performances…
“He has terrific qualities - technically, physically and mentally. We don't want to put shackles on him and restrict him. He showed today he can land on things, as he did last week.”
On keeping a clean sheet…
“It was really important. It was an objective the players had spoken about themselves and it has cost Chris Hogg a dinner as he promised the guys that if they kept a clean sheet! They'll be delighted with that - maybe his wife and his bank balance won't be!”
On a potential red card for Harry Pell…
“It looked like it for me - he was shooting on goal with his next action. It was a frustrating game from a refereeing perspective but for me it was (a) clear (red card).”
On Mo Eisa’s injury…
“I only quickly spoke to the medical staff afterwards so we'll have to wait to see how it settles.”
On making changes for Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy tie…
“I can only pick 11 players and three subs so there are a lot of frustrated guys who want to play and impress. We'll make changes on Tuesday and it will give us a really good opportunity to see how people respond. Ultimately, it's down to the guys to take that opportunity.”
On Hiram Boateng’s impact…
“In the time I've been here, I can only speak highly of Hiram and his character in terms of how he trains and applies himself. He's really selfless, puts the team first and came on and did a really good job today. He gave us an element of physicality in the game and showed a moment of quality at the end to get the assist.”
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Liam Manning's MK Dons turn their attention to the Papa John's Trophy this Tuesday as they take on Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
Tickets for the Southern Group C clash are on sale, priced at £10 adults and £5 under-17s. To purchase tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622922. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 1pm on Tuesday.
Can't make Tuesday's tie? You can still watch the match LIVE courtesy of iFollow MK Dons - CLICK HERE to purchase a Video Match Pass for £10 and watch online on your phone, tablet or desktop.
