Russell Martin praised the character of his MK Dons side, after they came from behind to earn a point at promotion-chasing Coventry City.
The Dons found themselves a goal down less than 50 seconds into the Sky Bet League One clash at the St Andrews Trillion Trophy Stadium, but earned a share of the spoils late on courtesy of a debut strike from forward Carlton Morris.
Martin, whose side have now lost just one game in their last seven matches, was happy with the performance and the point.
“I'm really pleased and proud,” he said in his post-match press conference. “We showed a lot of character throughout the 90 minutes.
“[Their goal] came from our throw-in which is disappointing. I was disappointed with the manner of it. Conceding so early, it would have been easy to go under but I was proud in the character we showed to get back into it.
“We weren't poor in the first half. I felt we had control but we were just a bit anxious in the final third. We tried to force things. I told them to believe in themselves a bit more and the way they responded though shows how far we've come.”
He continue: “It was a game between two good football teams. It was just an enjoyable game and one which saw both teams trying to win it at the end.
“They're a top three team, a really good team. Not knowing the context of the game, you wouldn't know one was 20th and the other was third. It feels like we're growing, building and learning together.
“I think we can be as good as any team in this division. It won't be easy and we'll continue to have some ups and downs. We need to move away from the relegation zone, first and foremost, but we're slowly clawing our way up.”
The only second-half disappointment for boss Martin was the sight of Alex Gilbey limping down the tunnel after being forced off with an injury. The Dons boss provided the following update on the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for December.
“He picked up a knock earlier in the game. When I saw him sprint 40 yards to get into the box and nearly score, I thought he was going to be able to carry on but it was just a bit too much for him.
“It’s not something we're overly worried about but we'll, of course, have to monitor him ahead of Tuesday. Hopefully he’ll be okay for then.”
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MK Dons are back in Sky Bet League One action on Tuesday when they travel to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Burton Albion.
Tickets are priced at £22 adults, £20 seniors/under-23s and £12 under-17s, if bought before midday on Tuesday 14 January.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from MK Dons until midday on Tuesday.
Can't make the game? Fans can watch the match live on iFollow MK Dons for just £10 - click HERE to purchase a Video Match Pass!
