EISA CASHES IN FOR 10-MAN MK
LIAM Manning hailed his battling ten-man MK Dons after they toppled leaders Rotherham on their own patch.
The win from behind closed the gap from thirdplaced Dons to the Millers to just seven points.
They fought back from conceding Dan Barlaser’s 25thminute penalty, after Daniel Harvie saw red for a professional foul on Chiedozie Ogbene, with second-half goals from Harry Darling and Mo Eisa, within two minutes of each other, turning the match entirely on its head.
A jubilant Manning said: “It was extremely eventful and not what we had planned with the penalty and the red card.
“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. The guys did not get flustered.
“They have got quality in and around the box and even down to ten we remained a threat. I am delighted for the lads and for the fans who were outstanding.”
MK should have been ahead in the opening minute, but Troy Parrott was foiled one-on-one by Josh Vickers.
Rotherham then took the lead with Barlaser smashing in from the spot after Harvie had been outpaced by Ogbene and bundled him over – earning a straight red. The game swung, though, with two goals in as many minutes after the break. Darling got the first after 57 minutes as he headed in after Dean Lewington had looped the ball back into the danger area.
The Millers were stunned again after 59 minutes with Eisa on hand to slam a shot into the bottom corner after a slick pass from sub David Kasuma.
Rotherham carved out two huge chances to level, but
Michael Smith was just inches off target from crosses by
Ben Wiles and Ogbene.
Millers manager Paul
Warne his team’s was second-half disappointed display. in
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 and did not move the ball quick enough. It enabled the ten players to get behind the ball and we found it very difficult to break them down. “To win big games, your big players have to play well but you have to be fearless. “There is no drama. You just have to discuss where it went wrong. We are not going to walk the next 11 games. It’s not going to be like that and this is probably a good awakener.”