Mark Jackson feels the disappointment and frustration of the MK Dons supporters but has issued a rallying cry ahead of two crucial games for his side over the next fortnight.
Jackson’s Dons were beaten 1-0 by Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium, falling to their second successive defeat and seeing their gap over the bottom four in Sky Bet League One reduced to two points.
Fate, though, remains in the Dons’ hand and they go into their final two matches knowing that, due to their superior goal difference, six points will all-but guarantee them a place in the third tier next season.
Speaking to the media after Saturday’s defeat on the Fylde coast, Jackson said: “I feel for the fans who have travelled a hell of a long way to support us. It's disappointing and I hold my hands up because we haven't produced for them here.
“Ultimately we're disappointed with the result but other teams around us haven't won apart from Morecambe, so we're still in the position where it's in our hands to go and win.
“We have to keep fighting because we haven't got time to be down. We've got a massive game at Stadium MK now. We have to keep fighting as a team.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s performance, Jackson commented: “We had opportunities in the first half but we couldn't capitalise and we didn't work the keeper enough - that has been a constant thing in recent weeks. We wanted to work him, needed to get shots away and we didn't do it enough.
“Their goal is disappointing. We could have done better with it, and it knocked us afterwards. We were lucky then to only go in at 1-0 down.
“I felt we had a real go in the second half and pushed towards the end. Fleetwood were getting blocks in, putting their bodies on the line to stop our shots. It wasn't to be.”
There was a moment of controversy in the second half when referee Rebecca Welch awarded MK Dons a penalty for a handball but then opted to reverse her decision and, instead, gave a free-kick.
“It's really unclear, it could have been on the line, but the main frustration is the referee has changed her mind. These things happen and we have to swallow that.”
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Mark Jackson and MK Dons will look to bounce back by securing victory at Stadium MK this Saturday when they take on Barnsley in their home finale.
Season Ticket holders and Club Dons Members are able to Bring a Friend to the game for £5 while the Dons Fans Village, situated outside Gate 5, will return, providing supporters with a chance to soak up the pre-match atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
Season Ticket holders and Club Dons members have until 4pm on Friday 28th April to claim any additional tickets for £5 – to buy additional tickets at the reduced rate CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933.
