Liam Manning praised his MK Dons side for maintaining control out of possession during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Burton Albion.
Manning’s men weren’t at their free-flowing best against the Brewers but prevented their opponents from having a shot on target as they ground their way to a fourth Sky Bet League One win in five matches.
“There are a huge number of positives to take,” Manning said in his post-match press conference.
“The opposition came here to stop us, to nullify us. It was a really difficult game in terms of the way they set up.
“Could we have played better, had more control, used the ball better, been braver and taken more care? One hundred per cent, but instead we maintained control out of possession, not conceding a shot on goal.
“We hadn't kept a clean sheet for a while - we've not had enough clean sheets this season. They had some set-pieces but we dealt with them really well. I felt quite comfortable - we stood up, dealt with Burton well.
“Credit to all the guys, they really dug deep. It will not always look like that but, for such a young group, having moments like this throughout the season will be important.”
Manning added: “Hopefully the fans enjoyed it - that's the biggest thing. When people are paying hard-earned money to come to games, you want them to come, be excited and enjoy it. I hope they did that today.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On first-half chances…
“I think we could have been 3-0 up at half-time. We created four or five really good chances. Max had a few, which last week he took and this week he didn't. Typical of Max, he didn't let it faze him and he carried on and took one later.”
On Aden Baldwin’s performance…
“He has been really patient recently. I'm sure he'd like to have played more but it’s about, when you get the opportunity, you have to step in and take it and I thought, collectively, the back three did well today.”
On Callum Tripp...
“It's terrific for Callum. From the bits we've seen of him, he has done well. It's a terrific learning experience and it's a challenge to him, and all the academy guys, to take some of the learning and what he has been exposed to, and transfer it into his game. You want to have that taste and have more of it. Hopefully he takes that away.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night looking to make it five wins from six in Sky Bet League One.
Tickets, which are available to buy from the Box Office and online, are priced at £24 adults, £14 65 & overs/under-21s, £14 under-17s, £10 under-11s and £5 under-5s.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available from the Box Office up until midday on Tuesday.
