Paul Tisdale backs MK Dons to make League Two promotion charge

Posted Sunday, February 17, 2019 by PA

MK Dons manager Paul Tisdale believes his side are ready to mount a serious promotion charge in the closing weeks of the campaign after successive away wins in the space of five days.

Tisdale’s men produced a 3-2 win against fellow promotion hopefuls Carlisle to back up their midweek success at Newport.

An early goal from Conor McGrandles set them on their way and despite a Stefan Scougall penalty for Carlisle before the break, Dons were definitely the stronger side in the second period when two fine goals from Jake Hesketh and Kieran Agard looked to have clinched it.

They did have to survive a late scare when Hallam Hope blasted a second for the Cumbrians, but held on successfully to move within two points of the automatic promotion spots.

“There is competition for places right through the team. We’ve had a good week and it’s good for the travelling supporters because we have had too many disappointing trips,” Tisdale said.

“Hopefully we can mount a serious last two or three months of the season. Back-to-back wins are a big step forward and we are in a good place.

“Carlisle caused us a few problems but games here always open up and provide a twist in the tail. When you go a couple of goals up you come under pressure from the opposition who want to come back at you.

“It’s a tough thing to finish off games and get three points. The players were tough and did the right things in many ways. It’s about a style that fits the players and gets the best out of them.”

Carlisle manager Steven Pressley suffered his first home defeat since taking over at Brunton Park but applauded the home support.

“The atmosphere was amazing and we’re disappointed not to give them a win,” he said. “At the end of the day, the fans want to see winning football but we will recover.

“We have lost a couple of key players and brought in some good ones and we will react to this disappointment.

“We didn’t turn a good first half into three points. The first half was exciting, but we have to turn pressure into goals and get results.”

The Carlisle manager blamed “an indifferent 15 minutes” in the second half, and added: “There were two good teams on show but in terms of a squad I think they were stronger.

“Overall we edged the first half but they altered their shape at half time and caused us problems. We didn’t put them under pressure and we looked a bit tired after playing with 10 men in midweek.”

Pressley was not too deflated by a second defeat in a week. He said: “We will face challenges along the way and we just have to overcome them.”