Russell Martin called for a response from his MK Dons side and got one, as they bounced back from their midweek defeat to Lincoln City by beating Portsmouth at Stadium MK.
The Dons showed no ill effects from their 4-0 reverse at the LNER Stadium, as they dominated play-off chasing Pompey en route to a 1-0 triumph – sealed from the penalty spot late in the first half.
“It's a brilliant reaction from Tuesday night,” Martin said in his post-match press conference. "That was a horrible scoreline for all of us but we bounced back brilliantly.
“If you look at the games we've just had, all of them have been around the play-off spots so it was always going to be a tough ask. If you'd had offered four points from these three games, obviously we'd have wanted more, but we'd have said it was a fair return.
“When you're in and around midtable, it can be difficult to find the same intensity and motivation but I think we've found that. I'm really pleased with the intensity we showed.
“The disappointing thing for me was not scoring more goals. We got in their box a lot and hit the woodwork. Scott (Fraser) had a great chance and Griggy (Will Grigg) had two cleared off the line.
“Griggy was great - he deserved a goal. His job is not just to score goals but to press hard for us from the font. He has put in so much hard work for the team and we're so grateful for that. We know how much he brings to us, it's just a shame he didn't score.”
Martin added: “It was just a really good day for us, against a side fighting for the play-offs,”
The Dons were able to see out the final nine minutes, plus stoppage time, against 10 men after Jack Whatmough was dismissed for a poor tackle on Charlie Brown. Martin, obviously, had no complaints with that decision, nor the one to award his team a penalty.
“I was upset by the challenge on Charlie (Brown),” Martin said. “If leaves his leg there, it could have been really dangerous.
“Once you leave the ground with both feet, you're in trouble because you're not in control. They can have no complaints with that, or the penalty - in fact we could have had one just before when Griggy was about to tap the ball in.”
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Russell Martin's MK Dons will look to make it back-to-back Sky Bet League One wins when they face Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.
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.
With an iFollow MK Dons Video Match pass, you will be able to watch Martin's side in action on your laptop, computer, tablet or mobile device! Want to watch on your tablet or mobile device? Download the new EFL iFollow App and watch on the go, wherever you are!
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.
