Liam Manning believes his side’s togetherness and ‘never say die’ attitude earned them their point at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
In a tense atmosphere at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, the Dons found themselves a goal down on 20 minutes courtesy of Alex Woodyard’s deflected strike – a lead the home side managed to maintain through until Troy Parrott’s stunning leveller with nine minutes to play.
Reflecting on the occasion, and the result, Manning said: “The perception might be that the game would be easy for us but that's never the case.
“We certainly didn't take it lightly but the tense atmosphere is a first for some of these players - we don't want to get distracted by it but it's a new experience for some of the guys.
“In the first half we played into their style. We made it bitty and didn't control it - I think it was about 22 minutes before we had our first meaningful possession.
“Going 1-0 down gave them something to hold on for and gave them a lift. There was a lot of emotion and we lacked a bit of discipline in the first half and we spoke about that at half time.
“The second half summed up the lads - the character, spirit, togetherness and the never say die attitude which has done us so well this season. It’s why we ended up taking a point.
“(The equaliser) was a moment of quality - it was great technique and a terrific finish. I felt we deserved to get something from the game so it was nice to score in that manner and extend the (unbeaten) run.”
Dean Lewington provided the assist for Parrott’s stunning late equaliser, which came after the MK Dons captain had suffered moments of intense abuse from the home support.
Speaking afterwards, Manning said: “You see how he responds - he does what he does and lets his football do the talking. That's the most powerful thing for me.
“It shows why he's so important for our group. Skip epitomises our squad - he stays focussed, stays present and doesn't get carried away with the occasion.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons now turn their attention to Saturday night's Sky Bet League One clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Stadium MK - a match which will be shown live on Sky Sports. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE. Upgrades are available to East Centre and West Centre.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622922. Tickets will be available to buy right up up until kick-off from the Box Office.
