Tisdale is backing his Dons for final push

PAUL TISDALE believes his MK Dons side are ready to mount a serious promotion charge after back to back away wins in five days.

Tisdale’s men saw off fellow promotion hopefuls Carlisle to back up their midweek success at Newport.

An early goal from Conor McGrandles set them on their way and, despite a Stefan Scougall penalty for Carlisle before the break, Dons were the stronger side in the second period when two fine goals looked to have clinched it.

They did have to survive a late scare when Hallam Hope blasted a second for the Cumbrians, but held on successfully to move within two points of the automatic promotion spots.

Tisdale said: “There is competition for places right through the team. We’ve had a good week and it’s good for the travelling supporters because we have had too many disappointing trips.

“Hopefully we can mount a serious last two or three months of the season. Back to back wins are a big step forward.

“Carlisle caused us a few problems but games here always open up and provide a twist in the tail. When you go a couple of goals up you come under pressure from the opposition who want to come back at you.”

McGrandles set the pace of the game with his early opener, a cleverly taken strike after Dean Lewington had played a ball into the area.

Scougall equalised from the penalty spot a couple of minutes later after he had been fouled by Baily Cargill, but for half an hour after the break it was virtually all Dons as Tisdale’s plan to play three up front paid dividends.

Jake Hesketh fired them ahead in the 69th minute with a superb curling shot after Carlisle defender Gary Liddle had failed to deal with a ball across the box. Then Keiran Agard applied the finishing touch to a delightful three-man passing move, a goal that looked to have ended Carlisle’s resistance.

However Hope hammered in a second for the home side in the final minute of normal time.

Carlisle boss Steve Pressley admitted: “The atmosphere was amazing and we’re disappointed not to give them a win. We have lost a couple of key players and brought in some good ones and we will react to this disappointment.”