Nesbitt felt persistence paid off for MK Dons in FA Cup
MK Dons midfielder Aidan Nesbitt felt the team’s persistence in their approach helped see off Maidstone.
The Dons had looked in danger of an FA Cup upset against the National League side when they trailed at half-time. But four second half strikes, including one from Nesbitt, saw the home side turn the tide and book their passage into Round Three.
Speaking after the game, Nesbitt said the team kept their cool at half-time and to improve their display from what they had been doing, and felt it had the desired effect.
He said, “The first half was a bit lacklustre, but sometimes it happens in the FA Cup. We came out in the second half in a more forward thinking way, where we got a bit of momentum. It saw Chuks nearly score, then I got the goal and that started us off.
“Half-time was relatively calm. It was just to pass the ball quicker, make them work more for it and tire them out. That’s what happened – we moved it better and got the goals.”
Talking about his opener, Nesbitt struck it with his left foot and felt very happy with the placement.
He said, “I’ve not scored many on my left peg but I was happy with that one. When it left my foot, I thought it was finding that far corner and it did.”
The summer signing from Celtic has featured on-off throughout the campaign, and has hoped he has shown sufficient form to maintain a spot in Robbie Neilson’s plans.
“Regardless if you’re starting or not, you need to make an impact in the game. I feel that when I am, I’m doing that. I’m coming in, looking sharp, doing ok and all I can do is that to try and cement my starting place. That’s what I’ll keep doing.
“The manager picks the team. I just need to perform to get into it.”
Turning attentions to Monday’s draw, Nesbitt voiced a desire to land a big name, but spoke that the Dons would still look to do well whomever the opponent.
He said, “It’d be nice to go to an Old Trafford or a Stamford Bridge, but regardless of who comes out, we’ll be looking to do well in the game.”