Paul Warne enjoyed atmosphere of MK Dons-Wimbledon contest

Paul Warne insists he enjoyed the atmosphere during MK Dons’ 0-0 draw with AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium despite the ill-feeling and tumultuous history between the two clubs.

The Dons controlled the first half, enjoying the better of the chances and almost taking the lead through Steve Seddon at the far post.

The second was a far closer affair, with the visitors holding on to record their sixth draw in seven League One fixtures.

Warne’s side are still without a league win this season, but he believes that nights like Thursday evening are what football is all about.

“I really enjoyed it, I don’t know why,” said the MK Dons boss.

“I built it up in my head like people would be trying to hit me with flamethrowers or darts or something and I was going to be coming out with my neck in bits. But everyone has been really nice, I found it weird to be honest.

“I was prepared. Everywhere I went I was tense and I was prepared to tell people to leave me alone but there was not any of that.

“Both sets of fans were loud, but those are the games you want to be in.

“My memory is horrific. I’m not making a joke about it, I can’t remember many games, but I will remember this one and hopefully later on I will remember the home game and I will remember it because we won.

“It was how football should be, it was loud, it was a bit aggressive, and two sets of committed players.”

The result leaves The Dons in fifth place in league one, while MK Dons are 19th.

Johnnie Jackson believes that the fixture between the two clubs brings the best out of AFC Wimbledon on and off the pitch.

“Pride [is my overriding emotion], to be honest,” said the Wimbledon boss.

“I think this game always brings out the best of us at this football club. I think that was on show again tonight. On the pitch, in the stands.

“I am a bit gutted we did not win it but I am pleased we did not lose it. So yeah, a bit of a mixed bag to be honest but I could not ask any more of the boys.

“I am super proud of them. They caused us some problems for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

“I think we made some adjustments on the pitch and the lads got to grips with it.

“I think we grew back into the half, we needed to get a little bit more control with the ball, which we started to do and then we had threats on the counter-attack.

“I felt like by the end of the game, if someone was going to win it it was going to be us, but you are only a moment away from a set-piece or a long throw and I was really happy with how we stood up to that.”