Lee Nicholls believes MK Dons have made huge improvements under Russell Martin since their visit to Bolton Wanderers back in November, which was the manager’s first league game in charge.
While not at their fluent best, Martin’s men were unlucky not to take a point from their match at the University of Bolton Stadium, especially after Nicholls saved a penalty from Daryl Murphy in the 90th minute.
The Trotters, though, went on to secure all three points in stoppage time – Murphy, ironically, the scorer of the late winner.
“I didn't expect to lose,” Nicholls said in the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bolton at Stadium MK. “I didn’t think it was over, even after the penalty, but I thought we should have got at least a point.
“There’s a huge difference since then. In the first half there, we tried to play out a little bit, but not to the extent we do now.
“For us, it will be a totally different game because we're a totally different team now.”
MK Dons enter the weekend on a four-match unbeaten run and will be looking to increase their 10-point gap over the bottom three in Sky Bet League One.
There is also the incentive of chasing down the teams above them, with the possibility of moving to within six points of 13th place with a victory at Stadium MK - Nicholls says that’s the mindset of the group.
“The higher the better. We've got to keep going, got to be relentless and see how high we can get and set the bar high for next season.
“We've got to go into every game, especially at home, looking to win. Bolton have some good players, they're a good team and they're unfortunate to be down there, but we have to make sure we're on top of our game.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Bolton Wanderers at Stadium MK 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.
Club Dons members are entitled to £5 discount on the matchday price for 10 EFL games while Young Dons members can take advantage of a £1 discount on prices - why not use that discount for today's match?
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off from the Box Office.
