Liam Manning believes there have been much better performances this season than Saturday’s display at Crewe Alexandra, despite his MK Dons side equalling their biggest victory of the campaign at the Mornflake Stadium.
Manning’s men beat the Railwaymen 4-1 in Cheshire thanks to goals from Mo Eisa, Matt O’Riley and Max Watters along with an own goal off Peter Kioso’s drive across the box.
It is fair to say the Dons weren’t at their fluent best and while honest in his assessment of the showing, Manning couldn’t have too many complaints with the scoreline and result.
“The most important thing is the result,” he said in his post-match press conference. “The three points were much-needed.
“We weren't at our best in terms of style. Fair play to Crewe, they made it a difficult game with their intensity, their press and how they got after us.
“We said we needed to be braver with how we played, we needed to think quicker and play together to get through their press rather than be more direct.
“We've played better and created more chances and lost this season. It's about finding that place where we're still in control and can win matches.
“There were some good moments, but ultimately what got us through was the quality in front of goal, and the determination.
“When I look back, that's the frustration we've had in previous games. I know the quality that individuals have here but we've got in dangerous areas in previous games and not taken chances - this shows we just have to keep doing more of what we've been doing and it will happen.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult so it's also pleasing to come to a tough place and win. To not be at our best, score four and finish the way we did – I'm delighted for the players.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Peter Kioso’s display…
“He's doing a lot of work, individually, in terms of his impact in the attacking third. The wing-backs are so important how we play - we saw it with Danny (Havie) at Wigan and the quality he had there and with Peter's impact today.
On the supporters…
“They were terrific – it gave me shivers down my spine hearing them sing at the end. We had great support. In close games, like it was today, they make a huge difference. To come up here with the support they did, myself, the players and the staff are extremely grateful.”
On Mo Eisa reaching 50 career goals…
“He’s pleased with his 50th career goal which is a fantastic achievement for him. He's been frustrated in the last few weeks for not scoring, and he's frustrated with the penalty, but hopefully the goal he got will do him the world of good.”
On returning to winning ways…
“The season will not be all highs and all positives week-in, week-out. We had a good start and then some challenging periods and that's a season of football – we have to stick together, stay consistent and do things properly every day.”
***
Liam Manning and MK Dons now turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup and their First Round Proper tie with Stevenage at Stadium MK.
Tickets for tie, which are priced at £16 adults and £8 under-18s, are on sale now from the Box Office and online. Tckets will be sold on a block-by-block basis, starting in the East Centre. Season Ticket holders will not be able to reserve their seat for this fixture.
To purchase tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622922. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off from the Box Office.
