Liam Manning was happy to take the three points and move on after Tuesday’s battle with Cheltenham Town at Stadium MK.
Manning’s men made it five successive Sky Bet League One victories courtesy of a 3-1 win over the Robins – a result which moves them 11 points clear of seventh and level with the automatic promotion places.
“We'll take the three points and move on,” the MK Dons Head Coach said in his post-match press conference.
“The lads should be delighted with winning the game but they're also frustrated with some elements of the game.
“It was a tough game with way they set up in the first half. It made it hard to maintain intensity and the speed.
“We weren't going to get a lot of chances and it was about being patient. We did that and showed some high-level moments for the goals.
“The game changed in the second half - they changed shape and were chasing the game. We could have kept the ball better but they didn't really create anything that caused us too many problems.”
Manning added: “You walk into the dressing room and it's not a delighted one. Of course, they're happy to have won but when they don't hit their maximum, it can be frustrating – and that’s a good thing, we have to be tough on ourselves.
“They have done so well of late but it's not always going to be nine out of ten every week. As I said, we'll take the three points and move on.”
As well as the result, another huge positive for Manning was seeing striker Troy Parrott get back on the scoresheet with a well-taken brace.
“It was thoroughly deserved,” the Head Coach said. “He has worked so hard for the team recently, it was great to see him get the goals tonight.
“He wants to contribute and score goals, but it's so much more than that. The front players set the tone defensively for us.
“The quality he has and the way he works, the goals were always going to come. We've just been consistent with him, telling him to keep doing what he's doing.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Mo Eisa…
“Mo will score goals at this level, I've always said it. We have to keep his confidence in that sweet spot because he's cleaning up in and around the penalty area at the moment and he needs to keep doing it.”
On rotating the squad…
“Some of the lads haven't got a lot of games in their legs but everyone needs to be ready when called upon. There was some good stuff tonight from the guys who stepped in.
“(Matt Smith) showed some nice touches and did some good things. He needs game minutes because running on the pitch is so totally different from training.
“Dan (Kemp) played at a different intensity to the rest of the game, which is why he caught the eye. He showed some good energy, some good movement and took up some good spaces. For the third goal, if he doesn't get out of the way, Troy doesn't get the space to score so he showed some good awareness. Kempy will make a big impact for us - he's an intelligent player and he'll take up good spots and make good runs.”
On Connor Wickham’s absence…
“It is just a knock. He'll be back with us again soon."
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Liam Manning and MK Dons go in search of a sixth straght victory on Saturday when they take on Wigan Athletic in a second versus third Sky Bet League One clash.
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.
