Mike Williamson talks up his MK Dons side after win over Colchester

MK Dons boss Mike Williamson was impressed with his side’s first-half performance during the 1-0 win over struggling Colchester.

On a day when Dons captain Dean Lewington made his 771st appearance to set a new record for the most English Football League games in history for one club, substitute Ellis Harrison fired the home side to a last-gasp victory at Stadium MK.

Despite 88 minutes of missed chances, Williamson believed his team dominated.

“I think at half-time; we said it was probably one of the best performances we’d seen in 45 minutes since we’ve been here,” he said.

“The control we had, the football we played and I think we dominated every metric except the scoreboard.

“It was imperative for us to just stay focused and keep that concentration and we believed it would come.

“We got our reward and I’m really pleased. The endeavour and spirit you can see out on the pitch was fantastic.”

Williamson hailed the energetic spirit of his team as former Colchester player Alex Gilbey also went close early on.

“All credit to the boys really,” he said.

“We try to help and support the way we can and try to get them to understand the way we want to play football, but they’ve got to get out there and produce.

“I think a lot of our wins has been down to the character and the boys’ never-say-die attitude.

“The energy they keep producing week after week and obviously after such a quick turnaround, the festive period can be difficult, but I thought the mentality was spot on.”

Colchester head coach Matthew Etherington saw sparks of life in his side, despite the late loss.

The visitors saw moments of energy in the second half, with an effort from Joe Taylor and Tom Hopper hitting the bar late on.

“I’m just gutted to concede late on,” Etherington said.

“It’s a good ball but there’s plenty of details to that goal that we need to be better at.

“I thought with the height we had on the pitch, we defended set-plays pretty well throughout the game. But that one moment and it’s in the back of the net.

“We did have some moments where we played some really good stuff down the side. Nothing came of it but there are moments there. I just want it to be more consistent.”