After two dreadful losses in the previous two meetings, Alex Gilbey and Joe Tomlinson believe they owe MK Dons supporters a victory against rivals AFC Wimbledon.
The FA Cup draw pitched the two rivals together for the 17th time this Sunday, but only the second time in the world’s most famous cup competition.
The first, of course, was the infamous 2012 clash, the inaugural meeting, which saw Jon Otsemobor become the unlikely hero with his ‘Heel of God’ goal in stoppage time to win it for the hosts 2-1 at Stadium MK.
Since then, while the side from MK1 have nine wins to AFC Wimbledon’s four, the last two results have been embarrassing defeats in enemy territory, most recently the 3-0 humbling in September at Plough Lane.
After the game, captain Gilbey became enraged and said his team was too weak to face their opponents. However, Dons now have a new management team under head coach Scott Lindsey, and their third consecutive victory over the weekend helped them move up in League Two over the south London squad.
However, Gilbey is seeking retribution going into the FA Cup matchup.
“Now, we approach it with a great deal of confidence,” he stated. After what they did to us at their property, I believe we owe them. After that one, everyone is still licking their wounds. Go ahead and do it.
“It’s time for the player and the staff to build up the importance of the game. We can’t keep saying it’s another game, because ultimately that doesn’t work for us. I keep saying that. It’s unfair on the fans.
It requires a new approach. It is necessary to treat games of this size differently, regardless of the level and the opponent. They are crucial for the supporters as well as the team. We owe them one, and we’re licking our wounds.
“It’s the big one,” Tomlinson added, expressing his desire to avenge the two losses at Plough Lane. The past two have been really painful. This upcoming home game is huge. It’s simple to say, but we must actually demonstrate it. The supporters deserve a victory because they have been outstanding.
That game, everyone in the dressing room knows how important it is to the fans and the club. We’re going to change what has happened in the last two times and we’re really confident for it.
