Robbie Neilson’s side were unable to put consecutive wins together away at Oxford United, after the U’s ran out 3-1 winners on New Year’s Day.
Wes Thomas’ 15th-minute goal gave the home side the lead, however, just 10 minutes later Alex Gilbey converted from Robbie Muirhead’s corner to score his third goal of the season.
The Dons were dealt a blow just seconds before half-time Ryan Ledson found Gino van Kessel who converted from close range. Jonathan Obika ultimately put the game to bed on the hour mark slotting home past Lee Nicholls after a swift counter-attacking move from Pep Clotet’s side.
There was time for Richardinho to see red after his high tackle on Conor McGrandles, however, the dismissal came too late for Dons who failed to capitalise on their extra man advantage.
After the game, a disappointed Neilson put the defeat down to individual mistakes. He said: “We made mistakes defensively and got punished for that. Their three goals came from our own making.
"Sky Bet League One is often about who makes the least mistakes and we made too many. We came here and played well but we have come away with nothing so we need to cut out the mistakes.
"I couldn’t ask for more from them commitment-wise, work-rate-wise and in possession we were fantastic at times – we just gave away some bad goals.
“I don't know whether that’s coming off the back of the game two days ago, as our decision making went when we started to tire.
"I couldn’t ask for more from them commitment-wise, work-rate-wise and in possession we were fantastic at times – we just gave away some bad goals."
He added: “At the moment, it’s two steps forward and one step back.
Here’s what else we learnt from Neilson’s pre-match press conference...
On eradicating mistakes...
“We can talk all we want about what we do tactically. When the ball goes over the top [for the third goal] – we have to clear it. The next time that happens we have to make sure we don’t do that again.
"The players are still learning because they’re still young. The difference between good players and bad players is recognising and not making the same mistakes again."
On Oxford scoring at the perfect time...
“We were dominating and turning the crowd but a minute before half-time we slice it into a position where we’d have to work five or six passes to get to. The third goal was just a mistake – it’s hugely frustrating.”
On Ousseynou Cisse...
“I kept Cisse in there because of how well he played against Peterborough and I thought we’d keep a bit of continuity.
On making changes for the Emirates FA Cup tie...
"We’ll take a look at things before the Emirates FA Cup and we’ll make some changes to give some players opportunities."
On January Transfer Window...
"We're working hard but the difficulty is always getting it over the line. I'd love to get someone in as soon as possible, but I can't promise anything. We've got one lined up but I don't think we'll be able to get him until mid-January.
"It depends on what happens in the window as to what we do. Some will come in, some might go out, but we need to add. We need another striker and a wide player and then we'll see what else the market has which will improve us."
***
Robbie Neilson's MK Dons take a break from league action this weekend as they travel to Loftus Road to take on Queens Park Rangers in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Season Ticket holders can purchase tickets at a rate of £10 adults, £5 over-60s/young adults and £1 under-18s. General sale tickets are priced at £15 adults, £10 over-65s/young adults and £5 under-18s. All Under-8s go FREE when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Travel, meanwhile, is available at £15 adults and £14 over-65s/under-18s with Season Ticket holders and members entitled to a £1 discount.
To purchase tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy until 5pm on Friday.
