Liam Manning was pleased his MK Dons were able to continue building momentum in Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Stadium MK.
Manning’s Dons secured their place in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup courtesy of a convincing 6-0 win over Taunton Town – their second victory in three unbeaten games and the third successive match in which they’ve kept a clean sheet.
“It was important to keep the momentum from the previous performances and the results we've had,” the MK Dons Head Coach said in his post-match press conference. “Momentum is important for us given the tough run of form we've had.
“These are tough games. You go into it with an expectation on you, the perception is that it should be a walkover but it's never the case. They've got good players, they're organised and disciplined, it's a big game for them too so they're up for it and motivated.
"The big thing for us was around our behaviours and attitude, and, to be fair, the lads were spot on. We know we’ve got quality in the group - we just had to focus and keep the intensity, which is why we got that performance today.
“The goals and quality on the ball were important but the behaviours to work hard and to keep the clean sheet, meant we controlled it. We defended well, dealt with long balls and second balls and we didn't allow them to get any momentum.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On scoring six goals…
“We got into some really good areas in the first half and we worked hard on that this week, so it was good to see it transferred into the game. The other important part was seeing goals from everywhere, not just being reliant on one person.
“(Scoring early) was key in terms of settling us. The longer it goes on without scoring, you can be apprehensive. The same happened at the start of the second half too. The early goals settled us, and the one at the start of the second half eased it for us to relax a bit in the second half.”
On changes made…
“We had a couple of lads sick this week so we had to make some changes but the lads who came in did a terrific job. We need the squad, we need everybody and we need individuals to step up to contribute and deliver for the team. We've got players stepping up, and competition in the group.”
On Mo Eisa scoring on his Stadium MK return…
“It's great to have him back. He's a terrific character and he's a really big player for us. The goal meant a huge amount to him, and hopefully it gives him a boost going into Tuesday and back into the league.”
On Tennai Watson making his comeback…
“It's great to have T back - he’s another returning player who knows how we want to play and one of the more experienced players of the group. He's worked really hard, like Mo, and it's great to see him back out there.”
On Josh McEachran’s performance…
“We all know Josh's quality, it's just his consistency of being able to churn out 90 minutes, game after game. His composure was outstanding today and the timing of his passing, build-up and breaking lines, was terrific.”
On Dawson Devoy’s display…
“Daws has quality and he will be a great player. The challenge is to keep getting better. His pass for Darragh was fantastic. He has to back himself now, and we have to allow him to drive on.”
On Conor Grant’s impact…
“Conor has a lot of quality. We actually sat with him (Friday) to talk about the impact he has to make, grabbing opportunities and taking responsibility. He's given me a good headache and if we can get Conor competing with Louie (Barry), Darragh (Burns) and Nathan (Holland), then we'll only get better and improve.”
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Attention for Liam Manning and MK Dons turns to the Carabao Cup and Tuesday's Third Round tie with Morecambe at Stadium MK.
Tickets for this tie are available to buy in the East Stand only, priced at £12 adults, £9 over-65s, £6 under-25s and £3 under-18s while under-12s tickets are priced at £1.50. There is no matchday price increase for this fixture.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off from the Box Office.
