Winkelman gave Dons a pep talk prior to AFC Wimbledon win

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman reminded his players what victory over AFC Wimbledon means to the club ahead of their 2-0 win at Plough Lane.

Winkelman was invited to speak to the squad by manager Russell Martin ahead of kick-off to tell his squad - many of whom are new this season - about the history between the two sides, and the importance of the rivalry to the supporters.

And it appeared to pay off as Matt O'Riley and Matthew Sorinola netted within two minutes of each other to secure the win at Plough Lane.

Not just a significant victory in terms of the history between the two sides, but it also inflicted the worst home run ever for AFC Wimbledon - five consecutive home defeats - while it also cost manager Glyn Hodges his job at the helm.

"We spoke before the game about matching the intensity they would bring because of this game, the stadium and all that stuff," said Martin afterwards.

"The chairman spoke to the players about it, I asked him to come and speak to the guys about it. Whenever there's a game like this, the players get asked various questions in the press, on social media they get fans messaging them, but they dealt with it brilliantly.

"It's a big win for us. Charlton and Peterborough are two big teams we've lost to recently, and there's no shame in that. But it's another win for us, and another really strong performance. We had to grapple for control in the first half, we knew what the game would be like.

"Once we gained control in the first half, we dominated the second. Once we gained it, we didn't let it up. We got two really well-taken goals and we deserved it.

"The guys at the back were outstanding to give us composure, and they took so much responsibility on the ball. The guys who came on too – it felt like a real team performance.

"I'm really pleased and proud of the boys – they deserved it."