Mark Jackson was delighted with the three points claimed in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Cambridge United at Stadium MK.
Jackson’s Dons returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League One courtesy of their triumph over the U’s – a result which moves them three points clear of their Cambridgeshire opponents and to within two points of safety.
“I'm delighted with the three points and the manner in which we got them,” the MK Dons Head Coach said in his post-match press conference.
“It has been a challenging week for the group, but everyone at the club has galvanised to prepare for this game and go and perform. Every single one of the players showed they are fighting for this club and they got the three points they deserved.
“Any goal is a good goal for us. In recent games, when we don't get the first goal it knocks us. But getting the goal gave us a good platform to build on.
“We tried to get a second, we're not one to settle at 1-0 but Cambridge made it difficult. They're a team fighting as well. It would have been nice to get another to calm us, but we withheld their pressure which was pleasing.
“Cambridge played well in spells, had the ball in a few areas where we had to be patient and we did that well. The discipline was good as well, but ultimately it was all about the three points today. We're delighted with that.
“Hopefully, it gives the players the belief that we can go on that run and achieve our goal. Deep down, the belief is always there, but when you don't win for a while and the performances aren't there, sometimes anxiety kicks in.
“We knew we had to push through that. We had a really strong focus this week, we had honest conversations, and every day the work got stronger and stronger. It’s not easy to deal with that pressure, but they did that today.”
Jackson added: “I want to congratulate the team on a good three points. The challenge is now is to take it forward.”
Here is what else Mark Jackson had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Cambridge United’s disallowed goal…
“I haven't seen it back, whether it was or wasn't, but the decision was made. I don't think we've had the rub of the green on many occasions this year so if it was (offside) then we deserve it. It lifted us and we went on and refocused.
On Dean Lewington’s return…
“Getting Dean back on the pitch was vital for us. He's always been around the group, even when he was injured, but having him in training he has been really influential. He's a great leader, and to have that composure and calmness on the pitch was fantastic.
“I asked him to give me as much as he could, and he gave me everything and was a big part of the win today.”
On Jack Tucker’s performance…
“I thought Jack was really strong. Having Dean alongside him helped him and even when Dean went off, he took on that leader role as well.”
On Conor Grant’s first start since December…
“Conor Grant came in and had a real influence. Robbie Stockdale knows him really well from Rochdale, and works closely with him. Conor has been frustrated because he's not been involved a lot recently, but this was the perfect game for him, where we felt we could exploit Cambridge in the pockets and turn. He did extremely well.”
On the midweek games in League One…
“Of course, we'll look. People will always say that they only concentrate on themselves, but of course you look. You always look at other results but, ultimately, it's about what we do.”
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Mark Jackson's MK Dons will look to secure back-to-back wins when they take on Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium this weekend.
Tickets, which are available to buy in seated and standing areas, are priced at £20 adults, £15 over-64s/students, £10 12-17s and £5 under-12s.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Subject to availability, tickets and travel will be available to book up until 4pm on Friday 17 March.
