Despite taking a point off second-placed Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, Robbie Neilson was left feeling hugely disappointed, believing his side warranted more for their display at Stadium MK.
Neilson’s men went into the weekend as underdogs against a Shrews outfit who have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2017/18 season.
However, they took a 56th-minute lead through Peter Pawlett’s composed finish and looked good value for their advantage until a late stunner from Shaun Whalley denied them what would have been a huge home victory.
“It does [feel like two points dropped],” Neilson said in his post-match interview. “With the way we played and the amount of chances we created, it is a huge disappointment not to have taken three points.
“I thought we created the majority of the clear cut chances. We scored the first goal and if we’d have scored a second then we would have saw out the game.
"They hit a 35-yarder right into the top corner late which was disappointing because they created much else – it’s what happens when you’re struggling for luck.”
Neilson added: “The players are disappointed in there but we now have to go to Scunthorpe [United] and get back to winning ways.”
Here’s what else the Dons manager had to say after Saturday’s draw...
On Osman Sow’s return...
“I was pleased to get him 55 minutes. I think you can see the difference he makes to the team. He’s a real threat because he’s got great pace to get in behind and he’s a real presence. He also brings the best out of [Chuks] Aneke and those around him.”
On Sam Nombe’s impact..
“He works hard, which is the first thing we ask of a player coming in. He was unlucky not to get a goal but you can see the belief he has in himself and the belief the other players have in him too.
“It’s the MK way to give local boys the opportunity. Sam has been doing great in training and with the Under-23s, and when he’s been getting his opportunity with the first team he has been taking it – I thought again, he did.”
On the lack of protection for Chuks Aneke...
“The lack of protection for Chuks Aneke in these games is phenomenal. He gets battered left, right and centre but gets nothing. If he was five-foot-something then he would get free-kicks every single time but for some reason, because he’s a big lad, he doesn’t get those free-kicks.”
On the performances from the two centre-halves...
“I thought the centre-halves were exceptional, especially [Ethan] Ebanks-Landell – that’s the player we saw at the start of the season. He has trouble with form and injuries but I was really pleased with him. [Joe] Walsh did well too – I was pleased with both of them.”
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