Russell Martin was pleased to be able to put smiles on faces of MK Dons supporters watching Saturday’s match with AFC Wimbledon from home.
Second-half goals from Matt O’Riley and Matthew Sorinola saw Martin’s Dons secure 2-0 victory in their first ever meeting AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane – a win that also moves them nine points clear of danger and to within the same distance of the play-off places.
“It's a big win for us,” Martin said in his post-match interview with iFollow MK Dons. “It’s another win for us, and another really strong performance, and I'm really pleased for fans, of course - the only disappointment is they weren't here to enjoy it.
“We spoke before the game about matching the intensity they would bring because of this game and being at this stadium. The chairman spoke to the players about it all too, which I felt was important.
“We're really difficult to play against, but our downfall has been when teams have real energy at the start of games and we've given them goals. When we don't do that, we get more control.
“The players dealt with them brilliantly. We had to grapple for control in the first half but once we gained control, we dominated the game and we didn't let it up.
“There was no ego from us, which was the difference between Fleetwood second half to today. Everyone wanted to do a real job for the team, wanted to fight to protect the lead and it was a performance of real dominance.”
He added: “We got two really well-taken goals from there and we deserved to win the match.
“From the guys at the back, who were outstanding and took on so much responsibility, to those who came on from the bench, it felt like a real team performance and I'm really pleased and proud of them.”
Reflecting on the goals, Martin said: “[The first] was a great team goal. The reaction to giving up possession was great and Dean [Lewington]'s position was really aggressive. Cammy and Scotty then linked up really well, and Matty arrived well in the box.
“The pass to find [O’Riley] was outstanding. Cammy was superb in the second half and Matty grew into it in the second half too. He arrived fantastically well into the box and he's one of the best finishers at the club – he took it really well.
“[Sorinola] was brilliant when he came on. It was a fantastic goal from him, deflection or not. Defensively, he did so well for us too and if he continues to do that, he'll have regular opportunities – whether that's off the bench of starting.”
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Attention for Russell Martin and MK Dons turns to Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy Quarter-Final tie with Sunderland at Stadium MK.
Supporters will be able to watch the action courtesy of iFollow MK Dons - to purchase a £10 Video Match Pass, click HERE and select Buy A Video Match Pass. Then simply log in to your iFollow MK Dons account and follow the instructions or register for an account, which can be done for free.