MANNING UP!
Liam is loving his Dons’ togetherness
LIAM MANNING said his team’s togetherness is what sparked 10-man MK Dons side into beating the league leaders.
The win from behind closed the gap from thirdplaced Dons to just seven points. Rotherham took the lead with Dan Barlaser smashing in from the spot after 25 minutes.
The penalty came after Dan Harvie had been outpaced by Chiedozie Ogbene and bundled him over – earning a straight red in the process. Two goals in as many minutes turned the game on its head in the second half. Harry Darling (below) got the first after 57 minutes as he guided in after Dean Lewington had looped the ball back into the danger area. The Millers were stunned again on 59 minutes with Eisa on hand to finish into the bottom corner after a slick pass from sub David Kasuma.
Rotherham carved out two huge opportunities to level, but Michael Smith was just inches off target from crosses by Ben Wiles and Ogbene.
Manning said: “It was extremely eventful and not what we had planned with the penalty and the red card. “I’ve said it numerous times this year, when you look at what you want in a group, I couldn’t be more proud of how they dug in and fought. “They stayed composed in moments of chaos and pressure. “I thought they showed togetherness. That epitomises this group. They are unique from that perspective. You face challenges and get things thrown at you what are not always in the script. You have to be adaptable and the guys did not flustered. That shows the level of ownership that the group has that they are able to stick together and get through it.
“The guys have got quality in and around the penalty box and even down at ten we remained a threat. I am delighted for the lads and for the fans who were outstanding.”
Rotherham manager Paul Warne was disappointed in his team’s second-half display. He said: “Although we created a few chances second half, I didn’t feel like we created enough to take anything out of the game.
“The lads’ attitude was spot on. I just thought we played with a bit of fear.”