Darren Moore spoke to the media following our 3-2 victory over MK Dons and here are some of the gaffer's key talking points.
ON THE GAME
The game had a bit of everything and I’m pleased we got the three points. We had a week to work towards this game and we knew we didn’t want MK Dons to settle down in the first half, because we know the patterns they can do when they find their rhythm.
I was pleased with the boys’ defensive qualities because there were individual battles happening all over the pitch.
When opportunities came, I thought we took them with real quality. In the second half we had to work on the mid-block and not give them room to operate. I thought it was a really good game. Even though I’m the manager, I really enjoyed watching that match today!
ON BARRY BANNAN
It was an exceptional goal from Baz, it really was. He’s bang in form, he’s committed and it’s no surprise he’s up for the League One Player of the Season. Some of his goals this season have been breathtaking. But his all-round play has been brilliant and he drives the team on. To have the awareness to see that opportunity tonight, and then to have the technical ability to take it on, it was absolutely superb. It’s fitting that it was the winning goal and he can be delighted with his performance tonight.
ON INJURIES
Harlee Dean has a calf injury, so we’ll look at that over the next 24 hours. Sam Hutchinson picked up a knock in training, as did Dominic Iorfa. Massimo Luongo has a chest infection so we didn’t want to risk him tonight. We don’t envisage Sam or Dom being available for Crewe on Tuesday, but we will see how Mass is.
ON FISAYO DELE-BASHIRU
I don’t like singling players out, but I thought Fizz’s performance tonight was exceptional. He’s still young and he came into a big game and put in a great performance.
ON THE FANS
The biggest thing for me is the connection between the fans and the team. That’s been the most important thing tonight. They sang their heart out for the boys and they pushed us on. We had five and a half thousand fans here, and I’m delighted they’ve witnessed that performance, and they’ll go up North happy with the display. It was difficult for them to get here today, but it didn’t stop them and I’m pleased the boys performed like that. It was deafening behind the goal and I’m really pleased.
