Liam Manning believes last week was a ‘step in the right direction’ for his MK Dons side.
Manning’s men went into the week having lost five straight Sky Bet League One matches but picked up four points from their two away trips to Charlton Athletic and Cheltenham Town and produced positive performances in both games.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” Manning said after Saturday’s goalless draw at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium. “We've had a solid week, performing to a good level and ultimately come away with two clean sheets and four points.
“It's not relief, but belief. We know we're a good team, we know we can dominate games, create chances and be hard to beat. We’ve starting to bring together all those elements – we’ve done a much better job of it recently.
“It was difficult with the transition but the players are stepping up to deliver to the standard we want now. We still have a long way to go and we now need to add that quality in the final third, which is what we'll work on in the coming weeks.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s result and performance, Manning said: “In terms of the quality of chances, we shaded it. Their biggest threats came from set-pieces whereas, in open play, we got into some really dangerous areas - we just couldn't get the ball over the line.
“Momentum and the performance is such a big part of our identity, and we did a good job of pinning them back. We moved the ball well and I don't think I could have said that a few weeks ago.
“The defence coped well with their threats. Yes, their only real chances were from set-pieces but two months ago we weren't dealing with that. I don't want to jinx us, but we're doing well with it recently.”
The game will be remembered for the day Dean Lewington made his 900th career appearance. Head Coach Liam Manning reserved praise for his captain afterwards.
“It's an incredible feat, and one that not too many players will go on to do in the future. His individual performance was good too - he dominated aerially.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Mo Eisa getting more minutes…
“He got more minutes again and now we've got a couple of Cup games coming up to help build him up. I thought it was written in the stars that he'd get the goal here, but the keeper has made the save to his right, and unfortunately there was no-one following up.
On Tennai Watson travelling with the squad…
“It's terrific to see him back out there. T is massive for the group, for his quality and character. He's experienced, knows how we want to play and he is a huge addition to have him back. It will be good for him to have a solid week in training this week.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup this weekend when they host Taunton Town at Stadium MK.
Tickets for this tie are available to buy in the East Stand only, with no Season Ticket seats being reserved. Tickets are 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.
