Jules on ‘massive’ win for MK Dons to end their losing streak

Tuesday night’s win over Charlton Athletic is a vital step in the right direction, said Dons defender Zak Jules.

Will Grigg and Bradley Johnson scored the goals to end Dons’ five-match losing streak, lifting them off the foot of the table in the process at The Valley - a happy hunting ground for Dons down the years.

With pressure mounting on boss Liam Manning, Dons pieced together one of their most complete performances of the season to not only win, but do so by restricting Charlton, unbeaten at home prior to the game, to just a single effort on target.

“It's massive,” said Jules afterwards. “We've shown glimpses throughout the season, some games not so often and quite a bit in others. We've just not been able to get the results we've wanted.

“But we know we have the quality in the group to put performances like that on show. It has been a frustrating time when it doesn't quite come together. We've shown tonight we can kick on and get results in this division.

“The gaffer is massive on 'doing us', sticking to the project and the plan. Results will come. Ive been in situations where you lose your way, you can panic and maybe aren't yourself. But he's told us to continue what we've been doing and the results will come. I think he has instilled that belief in us, and tonight has shown it has paid off.”

Clean sheet bonus

As good as the performance was, it was a mighty defensive display from Jules and the MK Dons backline at The Valley.

Keeping their first clean sheet of the season in the league, Jules said it was a team effort to deny the likes of Jayden Stockley and subtitute Chuks Aneke any clear sight of goal.

But with Dons still in the bottom four, the Scot said he wants more clean sheets in forthcoming games.

He said: “We stuck to the task today and got the clean sheet. You can get a bit nervy, downbeat, and conceding goals can become a habit. But today, we've got a couple of goals and the three points as well.

“It's not just the back three or five keeping a clean sheet, but everyone else doing their job as well. We worked hard on blocking and pressing, and the forward players do a massive part in nullifying their positions, causing us problems. As a back three, we were tremendous tonight.

“But it's one game. I want a lot more clean sheets. I wouldn’t have been as happy winning 2-1, it would have been hugely disappointing.”