Russell Martin was full of praise for his MK Dons side, following their ‘complete and brave’ performance in the 3-1 win over Portsmouth at Stadium MK.
Martin’s men signed off 2019 in style, beating in-form Pompey on Sunday to make it back-to-back home league victories for only the second time this term – a result which also edged them closer to climbing out of the bottom three in Sky Bet League One.
“We deserved the win,” the Dons boss said in his post-match press conference. “It's probably the most complete performance they've given.
“We've played a really good Portsmouth side who will be at the top end of the table at the end of the season, and we were outstanding.
“They edged it in the first 30 minutes. They're a good side, and any side will have a moment in a game, but although they were dominant, they didn't create much. We had numbers behind the ball and we looked dangerous on the counter.
“We played out a few nervy ones, but we’re asking them to be brave. We're in the bottom three and the easy thing to do would be to smash it long and keep our fingers crossed, but we’re trying to build something that keeps us up and is something we can sustain. The courage with the way we're playing – fair play to them for playing like that.
“David Kasumu was superb, Rhys Healey was brilliant and Alex Gilbey, in a different role too, was excellent – I could name them all, though.
“If we're talking about standards, I'm disappointed to concede late. We deserved a clean sheet and I'm disappointed by that, but if I'm talking about being disappointed after beating Portsmouth 3-1, then we're going in the right direction.”
MK Dons now turn their attentions to New Year’s Day and the visit of Bristol Rovers, where Martin and his men will be looking to cause another scalp and start 2020 as they finished 2019.
“We now need to back it up with another performance,” the Dons boss said.
“We've lost one in five now which, from where we were to where we are, is huge.”
“If we go and win and put in another performance against Bristol Rovers, then it turns this win and the Southend point into really good results.”
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Russell Martin's return to Stadium MK action on New Year's Day when they face Bristol Rovers in search of their third straight home victory.
The Club are providing Season Ticket holders with an exclusive New Year's Day offer, which enables them to purchase an additional adult ticket for just £10 or an additional under-18s ticket for £1. This offer can be redeemed online as well as in person at the Box Office.
General sale tickets, meanwhile, are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult. Supporters can upgrade to premium seats in the East Centre for a £5 premium while an upgrade to clubRed is just £10 more.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
