Liam Manning says the way in which is side exited the Papa John’s Trophy has left a bitter taste.
Throughout Tuesday’s Round of 16 tie with Charlton Athletic, Manning’s men looked the more likely to snatch victory but it was the Addicks who would secure a place in the quarter finals courtesy of a 91st-minute Jonathan Leko goal.
“It's a strange feeling,” Manning said in his post-match press conference. “There were so many positives to take, and I was pleased with a lot of it, but to conceded the way we did leaves a bitter taste because it was a really poor goal from our perspective.
“We looked after the ball well even though they got more aggressive. We challenged the guys to take better care of the ball in the second half and I think we did that. We had a lot of control and we created some really good chances
“Franco made a couple of good saves but I think if there was going to be a team who would score, it looked like being us.
“Their goal came out of the blue so we're in a bit of shock. We made a collective of errors for their goal and you can't give goals away like that.”
Manning added: “It's disappointing to be out but we can now channel all our energy into the league.”
Here is what else the MK Dons Head Coach had to say in his post-match press conference…
Disappointed with first-half penalty decision…
“It looked like (a penalty). There were a few questionable decisions tonight, especially in terms of consistency. For me, it looked like a penalty.
Players taking their opportunity…
“David (Kasumu) and Ethan (Robson), centrally, controlled the game - I was really impressed with how they pressed, connected and played together was great. Mo showed some really intelligent movement - he pulled off the shoulder, he arrived in the pocket and dropped into angles to receive it. He was on the wrong end of some offside decisions too. He exploited the spaces out wide and he had a couple of chances which arguably he should have scored.”
Update on missing duo…
“Aden (Baldwin) has a slight knock and we just decided to leave Charlie (Brown) out this season.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons are back in Sky Bet League One action on Saturday when they take on Accrington Stanley at Wham Stadium.
Tickets, which will be available to buy from the Box Office and online until 4pm on Friday, are available in both standing and seating areas and priced at just £15 adults, £10 students and £5 17-21s and under-12s.
To purchase tickets/travel CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933.
