Karl Robinson admits his side must take at least four points from their next two games if they are to remain in the hunt for a play-off place.
The Dons currently lie 11 points adrift of the top six with only eight games left to play and they head into tomorrow’s game away at Hartlepool United having only won four times on their travels all season.
And their Liverpudlian manager is aware that anything less than a victory and a draw from their clashes against the Pools and then Brentford on Monday, would almost certainly mean another season in League 1 for the men from MK1.
Speaking ahead of the Good Friday fixture, Robinson said: “If we get less than four points from these two games then we’re probably out of it. Four or more points is needed to keep us in the chase and that’s the target that has been set for these players and hopefully they’ll go out and enjoy the challenge.
“We are where we are and it’s ‘roll our sleeves up’ time - these players have got a big weekend ahead of them. Easter could be the pivotal moment in our season. We’ve had a terrible season, by our high standards, but if we were to win these two games over Easter then it’ll definitely be game on.
“Last week’s postponement has been useful for us as it’s given us a bit of rest-bite and the players had the weekend off which they don’t normally have. They’re ready and raring to go now though and we’ll have some players back in the side which is a boost too.
“Daniel Powell’s trained the last few days and he’ll be on the bench on Friday. Dean Bowditch is fit to start which is a big bonus for us. He wouldn’t have been ready for last Saturday but he’s back training and he’ll be ready come Friday afternoon.”
Robinson’s men have decided to break up the 215 mile trip to County Durham by stopping off at Leeds United’s training facility this afternoon for some last minute preparation ahead of tomorrow’s game, and the 32-year-old is looking forward to paying a visit to a certain Dons striker’s old stomping ground.
“We’re training at Leeds this afternoon. Leeds United are a club a really respect and obviously we’re heading up that way so we thought we’d take the opportunity to train at a wonderful training ground.
“Alan Smith is over the moon as he absolutely loves that football club. He’s still a big fan of the team and he’s very much a Leeds boy at heart. He’s looking forward to it, as we all are and so we’d like to thank Neil Warnock for the opportunity and Mick Jones, his assistant, as well.”
