Wilson's Milton Keynes Reaction
James Wilson’s first goal for Argyle set the Pilgrims on their way to a 3-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons as the Sky Bet League One leaders began the New Year the way they started the old one.
After Wilson’s early opener, Dons equalised via Nathan Holland, but goals from Niall Ennis and Morgan Whittaker steered Argyle to a 12th home win from the 13 played at Home Park.
Wilson’s goal marked the second game in succession that a central defender has scored from a set play, following Dan Scarr doing just that against Wycombe Wanderers three days previously.
To that point, Argyle had not scored from a dead-ball this season in the league, and Wilson praised assistant manager Mark Hughes for his diligence on the training pitch.
On getting his first goal in green, Wilson said: “I feel like it has been coming. No-one else might think that, but it has been coming! I’m really pleased.
“We’ve been working really hard in training. Hughesy’s really homed in on doing the right things. We’ve simplified things, and we are getting a lot more chances.
“I love games like that. The manager wanted us to get out and start really quickly – I think they did the same. That’s probably why it looked a bit frantic, but it was a really good start.
“We didn’t really cope with the game as well as we could have in the next 20-25 minutes or so, but once we got the third goal it was a case of seeing the game out.
“They play some really good football, and drag you into areas you really don’t want to be going into. They are a rough team to play, and I am sure they will climb the table.”
Three wins in three over the festive period has help Argyle solidify their place on top of the table. The lead, perhaps temporarily, has been stretch to seven points, although Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday are both in action the day following Argyle’s latest victory.
The record to date and the league position makes for very exciting reading, but Wilson is keen to use last year’s experience, where Argyle faded a little in the closing stages of the season, to fuel their desire for better tings this time around.
“It’s always really tough for players at this time of year,” he said. “It’s great for the fans, but it is a tough schedule. To come away with nine points, we’re all really happy.
“It will be like this until the end of the season. There won’t be a major break. Every game is a massive game, but the boys are really looking forward to it.
“It feels great, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. There is so far to go; we saw that last season. Hopefully we have learned from last season. We are looking forward to the run-in.”
