Paul Tisdale refused to be too downbeat in the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to table-toppers Lincoln City at Stadium MK, noting it’s where his team lies in four weeks time that matters most.
MK Dons appeared more than a match for the runaway leaders last weekend but a first-half penalty from John Akinde and a stoppage-time second from Bruno Andrade saw the Imps walk away with all three points.
The defeat saw Tisdale’s men drop to third in the Sky Bet League Two table but they retain a spot in the automatic promotion places, and when speaking to the media after the game, the Dons boss called for his players to take heart from their performance and use it in their final five matches.
“It was a really good game,” Tisdale said in his post-match press conference. “I'm disappointed, of course, with the result but not with the players. I feel we deserved at least a point.
“Their best period was after their penalty. They had the upper hand at the end of the first half. We started the game really well and we had a really good second half.
“We played to our strengths but we didn't take the chances when they came along. We missed our chance when the keeper made the save in the 93rd minute. You can't blame Chuks [Aneke] - it was a great header.”
He continued: “We have to move on to the next game. There’s five to go and it’s where we are in four weeks time that matters.
“We're in it. We’re pleased with where we are, although we'd like to be higher. We now have to look to the next five and perform in them.”
One of the main talking points during the game was referee Kevin Johnson’s decision to award Lincoln City a first-half penalty for what was deemed to be a foul by Ryan Harley on Shay McCartan in the area.
Tis didn’t have too many complaints about the award of the penalty - more other decisions that were made during the contest.
“I think Ryan got a touch on it but I don't think it was clear so I'm not going to argue it," he admitted. "There were far more contentious decisions than that.
“There was an accumulation of decisions. There were some critical ones which could have led to something significant. The foul on Chuks on the edge [of the area] was a big decision, when they came away with just a yellow card.
“The second goal, which kills it for us, that's as clear a handball as you'll see in the build-up. The referee was six or seven yards away, but it was clear. He had been forced into so many decisions he probably thought that was one too many.”
***
Next up for MK Dons is their trip to Prenton Park this Saturday to take on Tranmere Rovers.
Tickets are priced at £18 adults, £11 seniors/young adults, £5 under-18s and £2 under-12s, if bought in advance of matchday. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the game.
Ambulant disabled supporters pay the disabled rate of £11 or the relevant age bracket if cheaper. Supporters with a disability are entitled to a FREE personal assistant. Wheelchair users should contact Tranmere Rovers directly on 01516 093 328.
Official Away Travel is running for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £23 Season Ticket holders and £24 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 9.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday 12 April.