Paul Tisdale: MK Dons need a confidence boost

Posted Sunday, February 10, 2019 by PA

MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale admits his side need a confidence boost after a 3-2 home defeat to Swindon.

Tisdale’s team were well in the mix for a Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion spot before the festive period.

But just two wins in their last 10 outings sees them slip outside of the play-off places.

Michael Doughty scored twice for the visitors – including a cheeky penalty chip for his 12th goal of the season to leave Tisdale gutted.

“We were trying so hard and we’re in a run where confidence goes a bit and we’re definitely in that run,” he admitted.

“We aren’t going to win games if we concede three goals. We’ve got to stop it from happening.

“I’m philosophical about one or two things but I’m also really disappointed. We’ve had a run of results which mean maybe we have to mix our game up and have some energy that turns a game.

“They’re trying really hard, don’t get me wrong, and I’m not taking that away from them. But they have to channel their efforts in the right areas. I think we got what we deserved.”

Lee Nicholls was kept busy in the hosts’ net early on as he was on hand to deny Doughty twice.

But it was third time lucky for Doughty with a great solo goal 11 minutes before the break.

The former QPR man won the ball back, charged at goal and calmly shot past Nicholls.

Chuks Aneke was denied by a brilliant one-on-one save from Lawrence Vigouroux in the 49th minute while, on the hour, Jake Hesketh’s stunning strike levelled proceedings.

But the hosts’ cheers were short-lived with Keshi Anderson hitting an unstoppable 30-yard bullet past Nicholls seconds after the restart.

Vigouroux pulled off a reaction stop to keep out Alex Gilbey before Kaiyne Woolery was tripped in the box by Recoe Martin 19 minutes from time.

Doughty picked up his second with a penalty straight down the middle while Kieran Agard gave the Robins a late scare two minutes from time when he converted David Wheeler’s knockdown.

Swindon boss Richie Wellens paid tribute to two-goal star Doughty, whose vision turned the game.

“Michael Doughty was fantastic and that’s not just about his goals,” said Wellens.

“He saw the pass so quickly, he played so many one-touch passes,” he said. “He has that quality for the goals, you can’t teach that, he’s just got it.

“It was a really good performance first half but it was scrappy from us for how many chances we created really.

“We missed a vital header for the second goal which gave them a lifeline. We defended a bit deep but I think it’s only natural when you’re holding on to something.”