Dons show their iron against Hammers
MK Dons 0-2 West Ham United
KARL Robinson was quietly pleased with his side's performance despite going down 2-0 against West Ham United.
After holding the Premier League side for more than an hour, an Adam Chicksen own goal and a Carlton Cole effort were all that separated the sides in front of 12,230 fans at stadium:mk.
Avram Grant held no punches as his side prepares for a trip to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, fielding his big-name stars for the first time.
While Robinson's side tasted defeat for the first time this pre-season, the manager was pleased with his sides performance but disappointed with the result.
"The result does matter- I want a winning mentality so I'm disappointed to lose the game but I am happy with a very good performance," he said. "The things we are asking them to do is slowly coming together. I want to play higher up the pitch and press teams but that was extremely difficult.
"We have to take into consideration the team we were playing against. They were playing three in midfield compared to our two but I think we coped with them quite well.
"We made them give the ball away a lot and quietly, we are happy. There is still an awful lot we can work on.
"We created two or three chances. If you look at the internationals on show - it gives us the opportunity to see where we are at and overall we are happy with what we have seen."
Robinson also believes that his side are beginning to believe they have a real chance of getting out of League One.
He said: "Belief is the single most important thing in any walk of life – it is amazing how much easier it becomes with belief. Angelo Balanta is trying to meg people in his own box – it shows the belief they have in their ability. It is great for our players to have that belief."
With the likes of Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Benni McCarthy all getting a run-out for the Hammers, Robinson was pleased that gaps were highlighted in his team's play before the season kicks off next weekend.
"I'd rather play higher league opposition because it gives us the opportunity to plug the holes, because against these teams, if you make a mistake, they will punish you," said the rookie boss. "These young players will learn you cant always dive in and go to ground. I'm pleased for the likes of Tom Flanagan and Adam Chicksen to play against West Ham and more than cope."
PLAYER RATINGS:
Willy Gueret – 6 – remained largely untested. One moment stuck in no-mans-land went unpunished.
Dean Lewington – 7 – played confidently when moved into a central role
Mathias Doumbe (45mins) – 7 – calming influence at the back
Sean O'Hanlon (60mins) – 7 – looked close to full fitness and worked well with Doumbe
Stephen Gleeson (81mins) – 8 – becoming an accomplished right-back, with two great blocks
Angelo Balanta – 8 – showed no fear against a strong West Ham team on his home debut
Dietmar Hamman (45mins) – 7 – another cool performance, adding a touch of class to the midfield
Peter Leven (82mins) – 7 – industrious and full of energy as the lynch-pin in the middle
Luke Chadwick (66mins) – 7 – played well out wide against his former club
Sam Baldock (71mins) – 7 – ran for everything and linked well with Easter
Jermaine Easter (77mins) – 7 – came closest to beating Green in the first half and came close with two headers
SUBS:
Danny Woodards (45mins) – 7 – faultless game playing out of position at centre-half
Aaron Wilbraham (45mins) – 7 - battling performance for the stricker as he returns to fitness
Adam Chicksen (30mins) – 7 – growing in confidence with every game
Lewis Guy (23mins) – 6 – didn't see a lot of the ball as West Ham turned it on towards the end
Jabo Ibhere (19mins) – 6; Mark Carrington (13mins) – 6; Tom Flanagan (9mins) – 6; Luke Howell (8mins) – 6;
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Friday 25 May 2012
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