Dan Micciche relieved after earning first win as MK Dons boss

Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by PA

Dan Micciche admitted his relief after he finally enjoyed a first win in charge of MK Dons at the ninth attempt.

Two goals from Robbie Muirhead and a Peter Pawlett effort earned a 3-2 win over Rotherham as the Dons breathed fresh life into their League One survival bid.

The Millers had gone ahead early on through Semi Ajayi’s goal while Jon Taylor gave the Millers hope late on but the hosts saw it out.

Micciche was a left-field pick to succeed Robbie Neilson, but was delighted his players came good.

“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “What’s kept me positive has been the performances.

“I want to give thanks to the supporters who have stood by us. To go 1-0 down after 10 minutes, people would have expected us to collapse but I’ve always had full faith in these players.

“They have shown tonight their character and that they’re up for that fight.

“We were up against a really strong side tonight, but it was well deserved, it was about us. They all have everything for the club.”

Muirhead’s goals came on the day he was called up to the Scotland Under-21s squad.

“Robbie got his call-up to the Scotland squad today and it was well deserved, he keeps getting better and better.

“We know what Robbie’s strengths are and we played to them tonight. I am really proud of him.”

The Millers had hopes of an automatic promotion push but this defeat, which followed one to Rochdale on Saturday means they are likely to have to settle for a place in the play-offs.

Boss Paul Warne had no issues with his side’s result but wants them to regain their form having previously gone 14 games unbeaten.

“I can’t have any complaints with the result, I can have complaints with a 35-minute period in the first half,” he said.

“We started really well and deservedly took the lead. Then for whatever reason we didn’t continue to do that and let them back in.

“Then a bit of madness has cost us.

“It is a disappointing result but we have lost to two teams fighting for their lives at the bottom of the division by a single goal.

“It’s not a crisis we just need to get back to winning ways quickly.

“At 3-2 I honestly thought we would get an equaliser but it wasn’t to be.”