Russell Martin insists his MK Dons side must focus on the positives from Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash with Rotherham United, however hard that is given the manner in which the defeat came about.
Martin’s men looked on course for their first league win in 11 attempts at Stadium MK, boasting a deserved 2-0 lead at the break courtesy of goals from Alex Gilbey and Joe Mason.
However, a second-half brace from substitute Freddie Ladapo and a goal from Dan Barlaser saw the Millers come from behind to seal all three points and devastate the Dons.
“There are positives to take but it's hard to look at them at the moment,” Martin said in his post-match press conference at Stadium MK.
“We were outstanding in the first half - it was brilliant to watch. I enjoyed it and everyone else did. That's probably the best it has been since I've been at the club.
“We had some great chances in the first half. We kept the ball in their half and recycled well. We had control of the game. We should have scored four or five, but even just a third would have really killed it and made it really difficult.
“We didn't change anything at half time. We played out really well, like we did in the first half, but it was the next bit where it broke down. We didn't keep the ball well enough.
“It was like a basketball match and that suited them. Ultimately, we lost belief and lost control of the game.
“We've not made them work for their goals. They were not good goals to concede. We can't give them goals like that.”
Martin continued: “People will say it's a mentality thing, and it probably is, from the run we've been on. I'd expect so as we've been that long without a win, it's bound to.
“But, if we keep playing like that, we'll win more games than not. The lads are disappointed but we need to remember the feeling they got in the first half, and we need to find a result to kick-start us.
“In a way, I'd love a game next week to bounce back, but we've had a lot of games since I took over and I've not had a lot of time to work on things in training. We've got a while now before our next game so I'm positive about what we can achieve during that time.”
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MK Dons are back in action at Stadium MK on Tuesday 3rd December when they take on Coventry City in Round 2 of the Leasing.com Trophy.
Tickets are priced at just £5 adults and £1 under-18s, with unreserved seating in clubRed. Please note, there will be no clubRed benefits for this fixture.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
