AFC Wimbledon boss admits victory over MK Dons was worth 'more than three points'

Tuesday night was about more than three points for AFC Wimbledon and Neil Ardley hopes his players' post-match lap of honour showed the win over Milton Keynes meant as much to the squad as it did the supporters.

The atmosphere at the Cherry Red Records Stadium was tense but buzzing in the hours leading up to the game – Milton Keynes’ first visit to Kingston - but that nervous excitement erupted just after the hour mark when Jake Reeves put the home team ahead.

With banners and chants letting the Buckinghamshire know exactly what is thought of them, the players embraced the occasion with an equally passionate and full-blooded performance on the pitch.

The Dons eventually won 2-0, Lyle Taylor scoring the second, and after the whistle the players made their way around the pitch acknowledging the contribution of the fans, who were the ultimate 12th man.

And Ardley was pleased to let his players soak up the applause after the game, admitting he was delighted things went to plan on and off the pitch in what was a high-tension event.

“I thought it was important if we got the win to change it up and went round [the pitch] and let them enjoy it,” the manager said. “I wanted the players to enjoy the adulation that they got because they deserved it.

“I’ve seen first-hand how hard the board and the club have worked behind the scenes. They are trying to protect all the good work we have done as a club and make sure it doesn’t get ruined [on Tuesday night].

“Credit goes to them because they have worked so hard to make sure the night went well and I hope it has and I hope it does continue to and I hope Wimbledon come out of it looking like a special club.”

The win over Milton Keynes takes AFC Wimbledon up to 12th in League One – five places and six points above the Buckinghamshire team – and despite having reached his early-season points target, Ardley isn’t resting on his laurels.

“That will get us to 50 [points] although we need to get us to 52 in my eyes,” he insisted. “We have nine games to go and the boys, over the course of the season, in their first time in League One have been outstanding.”