Liam Manning praised his side’s togetherness and spirit after Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cambridge United.
MK Dons extended their unbeaten to 12 games by inflicting a first home defeat in seven on the U’s – Warren O’Hora’s finish on the hour mark proving the difference in a tight affair at the Abbey Stadium.
“If you're hard to beat, honest, hard-working, together and have a tight spirit, then you win games and that was us today,” Manning said in his post-match press conference. “It won't look great every week but we were in that game because we are a solid team.
“We tried to play at times today but there was a lack of quality. The they set up prevented that. They're compact, they defend well so it was hard to get through. It was something we did slightly better in the second half.
“Also when you come to places like this, you have to expect they'll have chances. They hit the bar after Jamie made a good save but other than that we dealt well.
“There were moments of quality and it was a terrific finish (for the goal). It's the first time we've used a long-throw this season – I don't dislike them, but I like to keep control. We’ve not really practiced it but we knew the pitch was a bit tighter here – it was great to score off it.”
The Dons were backed by a sell-out away crowd of over 1,400 supporters and Manning was keen to thank those who travelled for their backing.
“I say it all the time but the fans on the road have been outstanding. The noise today was all you could hear and that goes such a long way for the players. We all had a good time with them at the end!”
Saturday’s result – their sixth win in seven games - moved the Dons to within four points of Sky Bet League One leaders Rotherham United heading into the international break.
While aware of his side’s league position, Manning insists the focus is on utilising the next 14 days to rest, recover and prepare for the challenge of Shrewsbury Town.
“We won't get carried away,” the Head Coach said. “It's not every year you'll be in positions like we're in but we just have to stay level headed and keep working.
“We've now got some tired guys in there who need wrapping up (between now and Shrewsbury Town) but we'll just keep pushing because that's all we can do.”
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Next up for Liam Manning and MK Dons is their Sky Bet League One clash with Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK on Saturday 2 April.
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.
