Goalkeeper Matt Gilks says the whole club has been boosted by two successive wins, but there’s no chance of the players being overconfident heading into the clash at MK Dons this weekend.
The Dons have been battling for survival and though Gilks is optimistic of making it a hat-trick of victories in a row, the United shotstopper is under no illusions about how tough a challenge the home side, caretaker managed by Keith Millen, will pose.
The 35-year-old provided his thoughts on the recent win over Walsall, two clean sheets in a row, the annual Presentation Evening and more in an interview with iFollow Iron.
ON THE WIN OVER WALSALL…
MG: It was another big result. At this stage of the season, it doesn’t matter how you win the game but it’s the three points that matter. Against Walsall, we weren’t at our best collectively and individually, but at the end of the day we ran out winners and that’s what it’s all about. When you’re winning and keeping clean sheets you build up a little bit of momentum. In the final three games, we’re playing other teams who are fighting for it but hopefully our momentum carries through.
ON TWO CLEAN SHEETS IN SUCCESSION…
MG: Paul Musselwhite keeps reminding me it’s long overdue and he’s right, it was. To keep two in the last two games is good, especially at this important time of the season.
ON BEING NAMED STUDY PARKS PLAYER OF THE YEAR…
MG: It was better for me because of the work we do off the pitch. They’re a fantastic group of people, and it’s great to see them reading and doing poetry. I’m always there to help them and will never say no. It’s nice to see the children coming in from the schools. It’s good to give things back and when you see people with smiles on their faces it makes it worthwhile.
ON DUANE HOLMES WINNING FIVE AWARDS…
MG: He’s been a massive part of what we’ve done this season and is getting better as the season goes on. I’m sure he’ll go on to have a good career but at the moment he’s doing well for Scunthorpe and we’re glad to have him.
ON THE CHALLENGE AHEAD OVER THE NEXT EIGHT DAYS…
MG: It’s all about momentum going into the play-offs. Hopefully we can secure our place, then we have three one-off games. We know those teams are there on merit and they’re always difficult games, especially with a lot riding on it. Anything can happen. We go into those games with momentum and will hopefully come through them.
ON FACING MK DONS…
MG: Plymouth played Rochdale, who are fighting for their lives, and drew. They dropped points against Northampton too, who are also fighting for their lives. No game is easy, especially at this time of the season. We have to go into our three remaining matches with our heads up and positive. MK Dons will have to have a go, they’ll want to score goals and will keep going. They’re a good attacking team and hopefully we can contain that when we have to, then open them up at the other end and get a few goals ourselves. Just because they’re in that position doesn’t mean they’ll throw the towel in. They’re professionals and will go out there trying to perform, and we expect nothing less of them.
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