All eyes are on the prize as Dons set up for title decider
Defender Joe Tomlinson said everyone in the MK Dons camp has been focused on getting the job done in Fleetwood
Joe Tomlinson has called Saturday’s game with Fleetwood Town a cup final, with MK Dons able to lift the League Two trophy with victory.
Having secured automatic promotion last time out against Tranmere Rovers, triggering the club’s return to the third tier after three years in the fourth, Tomlinson said the mood quickly shifted back to final piece of the puzzle: winning the club’s first league title since 2008.
A win would see Dons claim the title irrespective of Bromley’s result when they host Walsall on the final day. But a draw for Paul Warne’s side would mean waiting nervously for the game at Hayes Lane to finish, knowing if they match or better Bromley’s result, they will be champions.
“It’s basically a cup final - if we win, we lift the trophy at the end,” said Tomlinson. “It’s right there for us, we all know it. Everyone is ready and focussed.
“There’s excitement but a pressure too, but we can deal with that. That’s why we’re here, and in this position. We’re all ready, we’re all prepared and we’ve prepared the same as we would for any other game.
“We’ve always taken it week-by-week, three points on the line. On Saturday, we could win a trophy at the end of it but the preparation has been the same.
“Don’t get me wrong, it has been a great week but we all want to win on Saturday. If anything, this is the most motivated the team has been all season because we have the title on the line. We know if we win, we get it.”
Fleetwood though are keen not to let Dons enjoy their afternoon at Highbury Stadium, out to spoil the party by finishing their season on a high.
And with boss Paul Warne also wary of the added element of wanting to spoil any potential celebrations his side may have in Fleetwood, Tomlinson said the players too are aware of what is at stake should they fail to be on their game.
He said: “In this league, anything can happen. We’ve all watched the games this season, and know if we go there and we’re a little bit off it, certain decisions go against us, things can change.
“It may not go the way we want, so that’s exactly why we’ve got to prepare the right way, do the right things, do the things we’ve always done and if we do, I’m confident we can come away with the three points.”