Managers relieved grudge match is over

Karl Robinson, pictured, and Neal Ardley are proud of their fans following the FA Cup clash
3 December 2012

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson was relieved that the historic 2-1 FA Cup win over bitter rivals AFC Wimbledon passed without any major trouble.

Jon Otsemobor flicked in a last-minute winner to send Milton Keynes through to the third round after Jack Midson had cancelled out Stephen Gleeson's first-half opener. Both sets of supporters spilled onto the pitch while celebrating goals in a match which was the first ever between MK Dons and the club that was set up after Wimbledon's relocation to Milton Keynes in 2003.

And Robinson said: "I'm tired, it's been a really tough week. I just thought the game typified two sets of teams with great hunger and passion for the club that they play for. I think two teams can walk away from this stadium very proud of each other and that to me is all I wanted."

He added: "I wanted this game to go smoothly, I wanted everyone to conduct themselves in a manner that was right for the English game and I thought we all did that.

"Two sets of fans entered the field of play today, which you can't condone. But what I would say is that not one fan attacked or physically went towards any player.

"Football fans in general have had an awful amount of criticism over recent months but I think today it was just passion boiling over onto the pitch, and thankfully they all went back well-mannered and continued supporting their team.

"This is a good day for English football. I know a lot of people have been criticising us and were expecting something to go on in the game but ultimately today I think that football has been the winner, and that's what I wanted."

Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley believes both clubs now need to put the game behind them and move on.

He said: "I'm proud of the players. We worked hard on a game plan as we felt it was our best chance of causing an upset and every player carried it out, to a man. My main fear was not doing the fans proud in this game and, despite hurting from the defeat, I think we did that.

"I'm proud of the way we've handled the week. This moment that our fans have dreaded has come and gone and it's turned into a celebration of how far this club has come. From the fans' point of view I don't think they will ever forget (about the relocation)."

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