Russell Martin and his MK Dons side were made to rue a lacklustre first-half after they were beaten 3-1 by Gillingham at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
The Gills scored twice in two first-half minutes to take a commanding lead in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One encounter.
Martin’s men did pull a goal back early in the second period but conceded a third just four minutes later to suffer their first league defeat in three matches.
“It's disappointing,” the MK Dons boss said in his pre-match press conference. “They had one their last five at home but I really thought we could come here and get three points.
“If you look at the difference between the halves, we lacked intensity and aggression in the first half. They outdid us on that front. Credit to them, with their game plan they did well, but if we're not going to get joy playing out, we need to be much better out of possession.
“We prepared for what they were going to do, but we cannot concede rubbish goals like that. We can hold our hands up if it's a really good goal, but they've not cut us open. That surprised me because I didn't see that coming with the way we've defended in recent weeks.
“In the second half, we came out, played well and scored a good goal but then conceded another poor one and it took the sting out of the game.
“To the players credit, we kept plodding on. We were the better team in the second half and could have had a goal or two at the end, but that third goal took it out of our hands.”
He continued: “This is a minor setback for us. It's a reminder for everyone in the dressing room and outside of it that we have not cracked it. We've got so much to work on.
“The pleasing thing is the players are coming in afterwards and answering their own questions. I'm not going to go mental at them, but we all know what we need to work on.”
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Russell Martin's MK Dons will look to bounce back on Boxing Day when they take on Southend United at Roots Hall.
Tickets are priced at £22 adults, £15 Over-60s, £14 17-22/Students, £10 Ages 9-16, while Under-9s tickets are just £4.
Official Away Travel is can be booked at £18 for general tickets, and £17 for Season Ticket holders and members.
To buy tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club’s Box Office until 11am on Thursday 26 December.