MK Dons made it seven points from a possible nine courtesy of their 0-0 draw with Blackpool – a decent return from their stretch of three home games, although Dons boss Dan Micciche was disappointed not to walk away with a victory on Saturday.
Micciche’s men dominated the 14th-placed Tangerines at Stadium MK but were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, with Blackpool goalkeeper Joe Lumley in inspired form.
It was a result which saw the Dons move back to within a point of safety in Sky Bet League One and one that Micciche believes wouldn’t have gone their way a few weeks ago.
“A month ago, we wouldn't have got anything today,” he told the media. “We'd have been punished for a mistake, a deflection or something.
“It’s seven points from nine. The selfish side of me wanted nine out of nine but if you'd have told me when we were 1-0 down against Rotherham [United] that we would go on to get seven points out of nine, I’d have taken it.
“I was pleased with the performance. Today was the most I've sat down during a game, which shows how comfortable I was with the performance.
“We looked solid and the clean sheet shows that – they only had one shot on target. The players have a real understanding of how we want to play now, and it gives us a real foundation.
“We created four or five great chances and the only thing we've not done is score. We were on top – we just ran out of time. Another five minutes and we'd have gone on and won it.”
Here is what else Micciche had to say in his post-match press conference...
On competition for places...
“We've got good competition for places now. Next week will be one of the hardest in terms of league selection because there are people waiting in the wings to come in – it's a nice headache to have. Scott Golbourne is training with us again, Callum [Brittain] has to come back, Tav [Marcus Tavernier] and [Josh Tymon] too. They're all getting back at the right time.”
On Chuks Aneke...
“I felt for Chuks today – he was a victim of his strengths. He got harshly done-by by the officials and I hope, by the end of the season, that changes.”
On Blackpool hitting the bar late on...
“Any manager needs things to go for them. Blackpool have good players and they were always going to have a shot, one moment. Fortunately for us, it didn't go in unlike against Bristol Rovers, where we were beaten by a miss-hit cross.”
On results elsewhere in Sky Bet League One...
“We can only control the controllables. We have to focus on ourselves, our targets, our style and make sure everyone is fresh and tactically ready.”
On Nigel Reo-Coker...
“I'd have liked to get Nigel on but I felt we wanted a goal, we were on the front foot and wanted to win it. He was excellent in the dressing room, though, and he has been great in the three or four weeks he's been here.”
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Dan Micciche and MK Dons will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to Gillingham on Thursday evening.
Tickets are priced at just £9 adults and £1 students/under-18s, if bought in advance from the Club. Ticket prices will increase on the night at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Travel, meanwhile, is priced at £20 adults and £19 over-65s/under18s with Season Ticket holders and members entitled to a £1 discount.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 12 noon on Thursday.
