Russell Martin praised the patience of his MK Dons side after their 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Martin’s men were being held to a goalless stalemate by the Trotters at Stadium MK, until in-form Rhys Healey struck home his 11th goal of the season in the 68th minute – a goal that was enough to earn the Dons their sixth home win out of their last seven.
“We had to be patient,” the boss said in his post-match press conference.
“Despite their league position, they've got good players, experienced players, who know how to play the game under a good management team. I felt it would be the most difficult game we've had in while and it proved to be.
“We will come up against teams like that a few more times this season - teams that will come here and sit back to make things difficult for us.
“I thought in the first half, we were in control but we lacked our usual intensity - the whole thing was a bit flat.
“We told them to relax at half time because we knew chances would come. We were much better in the second half and I was really pleased, especially with the last half an hour.
“We could have ended up with three or four goals and no-one could have complained at that. I would have like us to be more incisive but you won't get that every week.”
He added: “For me, it's a sign of how far we've come that we end up winning 1-0. A few months ago, we wouldn't have won that.”
Although the Dons remain in 18th place after Saturday’s win, they did increase the gap over the bottom three to 13 points. They also moved to within three points of 13th spot in Sky Bet League One.
“We are five unbeaten now and we have a bit of momentum,” Martin commented.
“We've got belief but the focus still has to be on us. Our aim is to stay up and I won't be happy until we're mathematically safe.
“After that we'll see where it takes us. We cannot settle for this, we have to be better. Hopefully we will keep improving as a group and, at the end of the season, I'll tell you whether I'm happy with it or not!”
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MK Dons are back in Sky Bet League One action this Tuesday night when they travel to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth.
Tickets, which must be bought in advance of the game from MK Dons, are priced at £24 adults, £18 seniors, £16 young adults and £7 juniors.
Official Away travel is available for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £19 Season Ticket holders/members and £20 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 3pm.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from the Club until midday on Tuesday.
Can't make the game? Supporters will be able to watch this match live on iFollow MK Dons for just £10 - click HERE to purchase a Video Match Pass!
