Liam Manning hopes putting a win on the board in the Papa John’s Trophy will boost his side’s confidence ahead of their busy run of Sky Bet League One fixtures.
MK Dons beat West Ham United Under-21s 2-0 at Stadium MK to secure their first win in the competition and build some momentum ahead of their visit to Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
“The biggest thing with the group, with where they are at, is the result,” Manning said in his post-match press conference.
“We thought about making a lot of changes but the group needed momentum and, for some of them, they needed to get over the weekend by being out there playing. That's the reason we went with the team we did tonight.
“There were a couple of big things to take from the game - obviously the result but also the clean sheet. There were bits in between the boxes that weren't right, at times but we created chances and we defended our box well.”
Manning continued: "Confidence is challenging - it doesn't change overnight. It's something you have to work through, and stick together through.
“The danger, when it's not perfect, is to concentrate on the things you're not doing well. There were, of course, elements that weren't right that we'll look at but where we are, we have to look at positives and the lads have asked what we asked them to do tonight.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On the impact of the substitutes…
“The subs made an impact on the game with their energy and their positioning. We tweaked things which we thought might get us a bit more success.”
On where to improve…
The frustration, at the moment, is how we turnover the ball. We won't play the perfect game at the moment but it's just that last five per cent, whether it's confidence, a healthy arrogance, believe or conviction in their actions. That will come with the group.”
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Liam Manning's MK Dons turn their focus back to Sky Bet League One on Saturday when they take on Shrewsbury Town at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Tickets, which are available to buy online and from the Box Office, are priced at £22 adults, £16 seniors/students/19-23s and £9 12-8s while under-12s go FREE.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy from the Box Office up until 4pm on Friday.
