Disappointed Tisdale praises MK Dons despite conceding lead at Northampton

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

A deflated MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale hailed his side’s performance despite throwing away a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw against Northampton.

Alex Gilbey and Chuks Aneke struck either side of half-time to have Dons in control with only 12 minutes remaining but the Cobblers launched a stirring late fightback to nick a point.

Andy Williams headed home a corner and then Junior Morias scored in stoppage-time to extend Northampton’s unbeaten home run to 10 games in all competitions.

Tisdale, whose side are now six points off leaders Lincoln in League Two, said: “It’s really disappointing but I’ll start by saying I thought the team played really well today. For 80 minutes, we had the game under control.

“I’m really pleased with the response to our defeat on Boxing Day. It looked like us so the major positive is that it was a really good performance, although that makes it feel even worse to concede those two goals.

“Well done to the team for how they went about today and for the response after a disappointing week and now we have to move on very quickly to the next game.

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know that one goal can become two because the whole dynamic changes. The key goal was their first goal.

“Any set-piece goal you concede is always something that you rue. We’ve done that today.”

Northampton manager Keith Curle was critical of his side’s first half display despite their comeback.

He said: “We needed that crowd and our supporters today to give the players belief and energy and that extra inch that we required to get something out of the game.

“It was fantastic support. At 2-0, it’s one of those where you’re thinking there’s nothing in the game but a lapse of concentration and the referee gives a penalty.

“We had a spare man in midfield in the first half but didn’t utilise it and our control and our passing choices were off. When you’re playing against a team that are allowing you to play, you have to be brave and get on the ball.

“Know where you’re going, move the ball quickly and get yourself into areas where you can cause teams problems but again we didn’t do the simple things, the basics, well enough.

“Balls went astray and people looked for the next pass at the wrong time. If you wait to control the ball and then have a look to pass at this level, the likelihood is that someone will close you down.

“We work on knowing your next pass in training and setting yourself rather than being reactive to where your touch takes you.”