Mark Jackson says MK Dons must dust themselves down quickly and not allow their midweek disappointment to affect their preparation for Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood Town.
Jackson’s Dons were beaten 1-0 by Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening – their first defeat in eight games and a result which denied them an opportunity to move further clear of the bottom four in Sky Bet League One.
They do, though, remain three points clear of the red line and have an immediate opportunity to bounce back this weekend when they travel to the Fylde Coast to face Fleetwood.
“We have to dust ourselves down and keep fighting,” Head Coach Jackson said in his post-match press conference. “It's a time for reflection and learning, for sure, but we've got to brush ourselves down and we have to come back again on Saturday.
“It’s a cliché but we’ve got three cup finals to go now - three games left. We have to go out like our lives depend on every game.”
Reflecting on Tuesday’s result, Jackson said: “I'm very disappointed. There were certain elements that were okay but we didn't capitalise in the moments when we were on top. We had a few chances in the first half to get shots away, but we didn't make the keeper work enough.
“It's been the story of our season - we've not scored enough goals. We've got the players and the capabilities to do that, and tonight we had the territory to do that, but there's a reluctance to get our shots off, and we have to be better - if you don't shoot, you don't have a chance of scoring.
“We started the second half brightly but again, didn't work (the goalkeeper) enough and Charlton got back into the game - they controlled it, had sustained pressure and then we conceded.
“Charlton managed the game after that. There was a substantial amount of stoppage time, not enough for my liking, but that's by the by.”
Jackson added: “Ultimately, we've given teams something to hold on to in games recently, and tonight we couldn't get it over the line.”
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Mark Jackson's MK Dons will aim to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium.
Tickets are priced at £24 adults, £19 over-65s/under-25s and £8 under-16s while under-5s go FREE. To book ticket CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Subject to availability, tickets and travel will be available to book up until 4pm on Friday.
