Liam Manning praised an ‘enjoyable’ first-half performance from his MK Dons side, who made it back-to-back 4-1 wins with their victory over Cambridge United.
Manning’s men scored three of their four goals inside the first 45 minutes of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash at Stadium MK – a dominant showing which ultimately helped the Dons to a big three points that lifts them back into the play-off places.
“When you talk about progress and getting better, that first half was as good as I've seen it,” Manning said in his post-match press conference. “We were really good in the first half for numerous reasons.
“We controlled the game, which is something we worked on all week, the quality in front of goal was great to watch. Our finishing and how clinical we were was really pleasing too but he biggest thing for me was how we stopped their counter-attacks and defended them.
“I'd have preferred to have more control in that second half but when you look at it, it's another new experience for the group - it's the first time we've been 3-0 up. We'll try and take lessons from this to manage it better in the future.
“It was enjoyable to watch but we are creating a culture here where we are always wanting to be the best we can and that means we can never step off.
“Today, we've got some really frustrated lads at not keeping a clean sheet and that's a real sign of progress. Culturally, we understand being difficult to beat and keeping clean sheets is really important.
“The challenge now, to everyone, is to keep pushing and not get comfortable but to become better.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference...
On having goals from a variety of sources…
“Having a variety of sources for goals is massive. Matt O'Riley will score, Mo (Eisa) will score, Max, Twiney and Peter Kioso too. Over the course of the season, that will be really important.”
On Scott Twine getting back on the scoresheet…
“I'm really pleased for Twiney. He's as frustrated as anyone when he doesn't score. He practices (free-kicks) so it's not coincidence – he's out on the training pitch doing it all the time, so credit to him for it.”
On Max Watters’ performance…
“Max was a real handful and showed some good movement in behind, some good power and pace to get on it and a calmness in front of goal. The challenge now is to maintain that level.”
On players returning from Covid protocols…
“It's a credit to the medical and coaching staff for the work that was done when the players were in quarantine but also for the condition they were in before that too. It's good to have them back, they've all done the work and a few of them felt it second half but overall I was pleased with how we looked physically.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup on Tuesday night when they take on Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium in a First Round Replay.
Tickets, which are on sale now from the Box Office and online, are priced at £22 adults, £20 concessions, £14 under-18s and £8 under-12s.
To purchase tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622922.
