Paul Warne: MK Dons’ win at Accrington will not live long in my memory

Paul Warne admitted MK Dons’ 2-0 win over Accrington will not live long in the memory but the three points could prove important in his side’s promotion charge.

Ben Wiles opened his Dons account after signing from Huddersfield nine days ago, racing free after 14 minutes and slotting past Ollie Wright.

The second goal came in the fourth minute of time added on at the end of the first half when, from a goal-kick, Jon Mellish fed Aaron Collins in the area and he fired home his fifth goal of the season.

Warne praised Wiles and fellow new signing Curtis Nelson, who arrived from Derby two days ago, after he helped to keep a clean sheet.

Warne said: “I don’t think there was a lot in the game. The conditions were good but on a tight pitch it was two teams who were pressing and harrying, there wasn’t much control in the game, and it won’t be one which stays long in my memory.

“However, we did enough and took our chances. We were better in the second half and I’m pleased for the lads as, if you’re going to be successful, you have to get points in all different ways.

“We stood up to the task. They are a good team, it was a tough afternoon and I’m just pleased we won.

“I brought Curtis Nelson in and we got a clean sheet, that might be coincidental, but he is a leader, and Wilesy scored a goal in his first start in the league so, in that way, it was all positive.

“We defended really well and I never felt under a massive threat in the second half.”

John Doolan’s mid-table Accrington side had a number of chances, including Shaun Whalley heading wide and Paddy Madden firing into the arms of goalkeeper Craig McGillivray.

“It is frustrating as we did have some momentum before an enforced break (postponements) and had some good results.

“But today was disappointing, especially the two goals we conceded. Both were a mix-up at the back and we have to deal with that better.

“You can’t give teams a two-goal start. They are a good side and if you give them opportunities they are going to take them.

“On the flip side of that, we could have been one, possibly two, goals up before that but we don’t take our chances.

“They won the majority of the battles, they showed qualities, especially with Nelson at the back. They have brought him in from the Championship and he is a good player.

“But we have to stick at it. We are competing with a team who have aspirations of going up and that was pleasing. The only thing which wasn’t pleasing was the result.”