Ahead of the Sky Bet League One clash against Portsmouth at Stadium MK, which also marks the Club’s annual Father of Loud Day in tribute to Jim Marshall, Anthony Stewart shared his thoughts with the press.
Stewart, as well as MK Dons head into Good Friday in search of their fifth consecutive league game unbeaten.
Recent results
Three victories against Cambridge United, Accrington Stanley and Morecambe, followed by a recent draw at Adams Park against Wycombe have currently placed the Dons five points ahead of the drop zone.
“The boys have been fantastic over the past four games, and we’ve picked up a bit of momentum because of that. It’s something that we must build on because we’ve got a big task ahead of us” The defender said about the recent results.
Good Friday clash
The Dons had claimed three points over Portsmouth earlier in the season whilst Dean Lewington took interim charge of the squad during their trip to Fratton Park.
An opener from Bradley Johnson followed by a second half goal from Jack Tucker to double the lead secured all three points that day. Looking ahead to the Good Friday fixture versus Pompey, the number 19 had this to say:
“It’s a massive weekend, but we back ourselves to go in and do what we can, not worry too much about the opponents. I think we’ve just got to get as many points as we can from these final seven games.
“It’s all about us and we’ve got to focus on surviving relegation. I can’t really be too bothered about their promotion chase. It’s about what we do.”
Recovering from injury
Prior to his full debut at Adams Park against his former club Wycombe Wanderers, Anthony Stewart suffered a hamstring injury which had the centre-half out for up to eight weeks.
“I had to reflect. I’m used to playing often, so picking up an injury early on was frustrating.” Stewart commented on his time during rehabilitation.
“I had to sit back and think about how I could help the team in a different way. I was able to help players more because I had the chance to sit down and talk to people, I was learning from an outsider’s point of view. And I think it helped me coming back in because I know the lads well.
“Looking from the outside, I could tell the squad was too good to be where we are, and I knew it would take a lot of confidence for us to rise above. It’s a big mindset, because when you’re at the bottom, a lot of things don’t go for you.
“You can feel sorry for yourself, or you can rise to it, and I feel like we’ve risen to it so far.”
Whilst in the medical room Stewart was accompanied by captain Dean Lewington, who suffered from a similar injury. The Aberdeen loanee had nothing but praise for Skip whilst he finished his interview with a comment on the Club Captain:
“He’s a great experienced pro, I really look up to him – he’s got 900 appearances which is unheard of. He’s a good man, and a great guy around the changing room.”
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Tickets for Friday's Sky Bet League One clash with Portsmouth are priced from £24 adults, £18 over-65s, £12 under 25s, £6 under 18s and £3 under-12s while under 7s can attend for just £1! Please note, ticket prices will increase by £2 when bought on the day of the game.
The Club will be using the day to celebrate Club Partners, Marshall Amplification as well as pay tribute to the late Jim Marshall, founder of the company, with the Father of Loud Day Fanzone, which will be held in the Marshall Arena from 12.30pm.
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.Postcode restrictions apply.
