Russell Martin was disappointed for his players that a dominant display at Portman Road wasn’t rewarded with three points.
MK Dons enjoyed near total control of their Sky Bet League One clash with Ipswich Town, preventing their opponents having a single shot on target while going close to scoring on a number of occasions at the other end of the pitch.
In the end, however, Martin’s side were forced to share the spoils with the Tractor Boys – a result which the manager felt didn’t reflect his team’s performance.
“I'm not unhappy because the performance was really good after a tough game on Monday but I'm disappointed for the players they couldn't get the goal they deserved,” he told the media following the goalless draw.
“I thought we were great. (Ipswich) are a team fighting for promotion and we dominated and limited them to very little.
“We had two or three brilliant chances, we just lacked a bit of killer instinct. But, if we're going to be where we want to be next season, the minimum you need is a clean sheet and to put in a dominant performance and we did that.”
With 17 points separating the Dons from the bottom four, and nine between them and the play-offs, focus for Martin and his squad will be on preparing for next term and ensuring matches in April 2022 have a lot more riding on them.
“All these games will mean something,” Martin said. “If we have any desire to improve next season, and finish higher, we have to test ourselves.
“It has been a tough season, but I want us to finish as strongly as possible.”
One player looking to make the most of the final six games of the campaign is Zak Jules, who, in recent weeks, has been given a run in his more natural position in the centre of defence. Martin is impressed with how the 23-year-old is adapting to life at MK Dons.
He said: “He gives us a lot to be excited about. There will be moments and mistakes but the intention is right.
"Warren went through the same thing earlier this season and look where he is now. All these young guys make us really excited for the future.”
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Russell Martin's MK Dons are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to the LNER Stadium to face play-off hopefuls Lincoln City.
Due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, the game will take place behind-closed-doors but MK Dons fans will still be able to watch the action courtesy of iFollow MK Dons.
To purchase a £10 Video Match Pass, click HERE and select Buy A Video Match Pass. Then simply log in to your iFollow MK Dons account and follow the instructions or register for an account, which can be done for free.
