MK Dons made their Stadium MK return on Tuesday evening and boss Karl Robinson was pleased with their display against Premier League opposition.
The men from MK1 faced Everton earlier this week and although they slipped to a 3-1 defeat, for large spells they proved more than a match for a Toffees outfit that will have realistic ambitions of earning a top six finish in English football’s top flight this season.
“For 60 minutes we were very, very good,” Robinson told MK Dons PlayerHD. “We moved the ball efficiently and we looked like we had loads of energy.
“I thought there were elements of the game which were off where we want them to be. The first goal came from a slight error. Their second goal was made by a Barcelona graduate and finished off by an England international – we’re not going to come up against that every week.
“I’m pleased with certain aspects of our game. I was really pleased with how (Paul Downing) came through his early error and Ed (Upson), who I thought started quite slow, grew into the game and he looked really classy in the way he played.
“Samir (Carruthers), Pottsy (Darren Potter) and Powelly (Daniel Powell) were a constant threat as well so I’m pleased overall.”
“For 60 minutes we were very, very good,” Robinson told MK Dons PlayerHD. “We moved the ball efficiently and we looked like we had loads of energy.
“I thought there were elements of the game which were off where we want them to be. The first goal came from a slight error. Their second goal was made by a Barcelona graduate and finished off by an England international – we’re not going to come up against that every week.
“I’m pleased with certain aspects of our game. I was really pleased with how (Paul Downing) came through his early error and Ed (Upson), who I thought started quite slow, grew into the game and he looked really classy in the way he played.
“Samir (Carruthers), Pottsy (Darren Potter) and Powelly (Daniel Powell) were a constant threat as well so I’m pleased overall.”
“Some of them are still way off, but it was extremely proud to see them on the pitch. Some of them looked a bit off but hopefully tonight will be a tremendous learning curve for them.”
“To have 10 Academy graduates on the pitch, including Brendan (Galloway), is a tremendous testament to the Football Club.
One real positive from Tuesday’s friendly was seeing a host of Dons Academy players on the pitch in the closing stages – something which Robinson was proud to see.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.Robinson's Dons take on Liverpool Under-21s on Monday - tickets for the clash at Stadium MK are priced from £7 adults/seniors and £1 under-18s, while under-12s with a Young Dons membership can go FREE. Season Ticket holders are entitled to discounted tickets if they are bought in advance of matchday.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do and we all know how hard we’ve got to work to bring in the right players to support the quality that we have here.”
“We’ve got to find players to support the starting XI,” the Liverpudlian added. “We’ve have bids on the table for players and everyone in the Football Club is working really, really hard to get it done.
With just over a week to go until the Sky Bet League One opener, attention for Robinson and Co remains on recruitment and adding to the squad ahead of that trip to Shrewsbury Town.
