Russell Martin doesn’t want a five-minute spell to overshadow what was an otherwise positive afternoon for his MK Dons side.
The Dons put an end to their five-game winless run on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Accrington Stanley at Stadium MK.
Martin’s men were dominant for most of the contest and looked to be on course for a comfortable win when Cameron Jerome added to his first-half strike to make it 2-0 with just over half an hour to play.
However, after Accrington scored twice in five minutes to level the scores, it took Matt O’Riley to head home a stoppage-time Matthew Sorinola cross for the Dons to secure a deserved – and important – three points.
“It shouldn't have been as stressful as it was,” Martin said afterwards in his post-match press conference. “Conceding those two goals will make people feel differently about the game, and it will for me too, but it can't take away from so many of the positives.
“We deserved to win. We played brilliantly and they didn't get near our goal. We should have been out of sight by (the time they scored) because we had so many good chances.
“I'm really pleased with how much more dangerous we looked compared to Tuesday. The performance wasn't too different, but the build-up was great and when we got there we looked great too.
“We shot ourselves in the foot, though, with two poor goals and, with the run of games we've had, it definitely caused a bit of anxiety.
“I've got a lot of pride in the way they dealt with the emotion and disappointment. These guys didn’t stop believing, and I always thought we'd get one more chance. We found a way.”
Jerome, Sorinola and O’Riley were the match-winners for the Dons and Martin had praise for the trio and they roles they played in securing the three points.
“(Jerome) was excellent and deserved two goals,” Martin said. “He probably could have had a couple more!
“I'm really happy for (Sorinola). The first one was brilliant – it's something Deano (Dean Lewington) recognised that was on and it's brilliant Matty has listened. Then it was two really good deliveries after that.
“He was good on Tuesday and excellent today. We'd like to have him on the pitch a bit more than we have but things have transpired against him. He’s reacted well and his attitude has been excellent recently - he's been worth his place in the team.
“That last goal isn’t about all ability, it’s about Matt’s mentality and desire to get there and put himself in that position. Because of those things, he deserves that goal and I’m really pleased for him – we’re so fortunate to have him.”
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MK Dons are back in Stadium MK action on Tuesday when they take on Plymouth Argyle in their latest Sky Bet League One encounter.
Due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, the fixture will take place behind closed doors but fans can still ensure they don't miss a minute of the action thanks to iFollow MK Dons.
Season Ticket holders will be able to watch the match for FREE. You will simply need to log-in to your iFollow MK Dons to view the game - click HERE for full information!
All other supporters will be able to enjoy the game by purchasing an iFollow MK Dons Video Match pass - to purchase a £10 Video Match Pass, click HERE and select Buy A Video Match Pass.
