Sunderland win proves Dons aren't soft

Ben Gladwin said Dons' first away win in over a year shows they can do the ugly side of the game too after beating Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday.

Known for sticking to their style this season, Russell Martin's side had their backs-to-the-wall for most of the second half as they defended their one-goal lead, defending resolutely to keep hold of their advantage.

The win sees them climb to 14th in the league, easing concerns when it comes to looking at the table, but the most pleasing thing for Gladwin was the other side of the game Dons showed at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "I'm delighted, it wasn't our best game but to show we can come away and win a bit nastier puts to bed to questions about whether we can do it or we're a bit soft. From the performance today, we showed we aren't soft. It's not what we want to do every week, we want to get back it playing good football. Having a mixture is really important and we loved it.

"We have a fantastic way of playing which we believe in, but you have to do the other side of the game. Sunderland are a big club and a good side so we're delighted."

Gladwin, making only his second start in three years, came off with 14 minutes to go as his legs tired but said watching the final few minutes from the bench was even worse.

"It was awful!" he said. "My legs were going while I was on, but as soon as I came off, I wanted to be back on because you can still influence the game. But stood there watching, screaming and shouting is not that enjoyable, but I'm buzzing we got over the line."