Paul Tisdale pleased to get off to winning start as MK Dons boss
Posted Sunday, August 05, 2018 by PA
MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale was delighted to launch the latest chapter in his managerial career with a 2-1 victory at Oldham.
Tisdale, who recently joined the Dons after 12 years with Exeter, got off to a dream start as his new side were two goals up in the first 22 minutes.
Kieran Agard converted a ninth-minute penalty after Oldham’s Giles Coke had hauled down George Williams while the pair challenged for a corner.
Agard then teed-up Ryan Harley to double the lead with a close-range finish.
Oldham, who were also under a new manager in Frankie Bunn, hit back through Dan Gardner’s 20-yard drive shortly before half-time.
But the Dons held on in a closely-fought match between two teams who were in Sky Bet League One last term.
Tisdale said: “I’m really pleased with a win on the first day of the season.
“It was a game that changed so much. The first 15 minutes were very fluent and then we were hanging on at the end because Oldham gave us problems.
“The first goal was a clear penalty and it was a little pointer for our players that you need to be careful with your challenges on set-pieces because referees are going to be vigilant.
“Scoring the second goal soon afterwards was a big moment in the game, but it was a battle and both sides were very committed.
“Oldham went into half-time with a goal back and we knew it would be difficult after that.
“There were lots of tackles and collisions. It got edgy in the second half, but I want to thank the players and the supporters.
“We take it game by game, but this is a good way to start the season.”
Latics boss Bunn said: “We showed passion on the pitch and I thought our supporters responded to that with passion of their own.
“Other than the result, there are a lot of positives we can take from the game.
“Unfortunately we switched off for both goals, which is something to learn from because we had a very young defence.
“We showed tremendous character to get back into it against a very good side, but we lacked that extra bit of quality in the final third.
“The defensive lapses cost us, but the work ethic was terrific and this is the start of our journey – nothing is won or lost on day one.
“There was naivety, but our fitness levels were a positive and in the second half we did everything but score.
“The fans need to be patient and stay with us. The club has been in the doldrums for a while, but we are working hard to get to where we want to be.”
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