Liam Manning is taking a bigger picture view after his side’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium.
In terrible playing conditions, Manning’s Dons battled to earn a point against the Cod Army, extending their unbeaten run away from home to seven games as well maintaining their place in the Sky Bet League One table.
“It was a really tough evening,” the Head Coach said in his post-match press conference. “I'm fully aware coming away with a point is not a bad thing in these conditions.
“You look at the pitch, the rain that has been up here. It was pretty brutal at times but fair play to the referee for letting it continue as, although it was difficult, it was playable.
“We did some good stuff on a difficult pitch. We were brave and made some good decisions of where and when to play. I'm delighted with how they went about it - it's difficult to tell them to just spin it in behind when it's unnatural for some of them to do that with the way we usually play.
“We had a couple of chances and there was enough there to go and win the game but we’ve also got to step back and see the bigger picture. To come to a really difficult place like this and have an air of disappointment at coming away with a point shows the progress we've made.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On debutants, Matt Smith and Kaine Kesler Hayden…
“I was pleased with many elements of what they did in their first game. They're still adapting to what we want them to do but I thought they showed some good moments. Kaine looked a threat when he got forward, in the first half especially, and a couple of the balls Matty played showed a lot of awareness. I'm really pleased and I think they'll go from strength to strength.”
On Conor Coventry’s performance…
“I've known Conor a long time. He's an honest player and you saw that tonight, in a battle, what he could do, and in a footballing game we’ve seen what he can deliver as well. When it's a scrap, he lands on seconds and he can be physical. He can adapt and impose himself on different types of games.”
On Manager of the Month nomination…
“It's a prestigious thing but it goes to the staff and the players. The work that has gone in is a collective effort so it's nice to be recognised as a staff for the work we've done and to the players for their progress. We can only be up for these things if the lads deliver. I cannot speak highly enough of the players and the staff we have here. I won't disregard it but it's a collective effort.”
On Dean Lewington’s Player of the Month nomination…
“Skip is super laid-back with it but credit to him. The condition he's in, the level he performs at and what he brings to the team is terrific. The team is doing well and he's been a huge part of that.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons return to action on Saturday when they take on Ipswich Town at Stadium MK.
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.
