Tisdale praises Harley and his coaching staff after victory over Yeovil

Posted Sunday, March 24, 2019 by PA

Paul Tisdale hailed the impact of Ryan Harley after he scored his first goal since August to help MK Dons move back into the League Two automatic promotion places.

Harley’s strike was his first since the opening day of the season following an injury-hit campaign, before Chuks Aneke added a second for the hosts late on to inflict a fourth-straight league defeat on Yeovil, who are two points clear of the drop zone.

Tisdale hailed his side’s fighting qualities and admitted his coaching staff had played a huge role in helping to deliver the three points.

“I am very pleased we won. I am worn out and I had to thank my colleagues on the bench today,” said Dons boss Tisdale. “It does not happen too often – but I did have to ask them to try and solve one or two of the conundrums we were coming up against today.

“There was so much going on and Yeovil gave it a really good go. We minimised their opportunities but when you are only winning 1-0 you are never safe. I am really pleased with my players’ adaptability – it was professional, and we march on.

“We have missed a player of Ryan Harley’s ability and he has been struggling all season with injury. He has played in a couple of reserve games and I knew he was ready for it today.

“Everyone has their part to play from now until the end of the season. I cannot complain because we are now third in the league, we have seven games to go and by hook or by crook we must keep getting points.”

MK took the lead after just 13 minutes when Harley’s left-footed drive from the edge of the Yeovil penalty area flew past Glovers keeper Nathan Baxter for his second goal of the season.

Aneke added his 18th goal of the season seven minutes from time when he ran through on goal before tapping home past keeper Baxter to round off a routine victory.

Yeovil manager Darren Way said: “We had drive and determination and a great spirit. We played some good football at times and I thought we had some good chances.

“We are outside of the relegation zone and I have been used to this situation, so from that point of view nothing has changed.

“I said to the players do not drop your heads. I have been in that dressing room and I know what they are going through. Every game is going to be a challenge and I know how hard a relegation battle is.

“It is not the player’s fault and for some of them this situation is a new experience for them. MK Dons are a good team and they tested us at times, but I thought my players gave everything – that is the main thing in my eyes.

“It is going to go all the way and to the wire. The players have to make sure they stay strong, focus on the positives from today and move forward together.”