Mark Jackson praised the second-half response from his MK Dons side in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium.
Jackson’s Dons salvaged a point from their trip to Lincolnshire, scoring in the 90th minute to cancel out Daniel Mandriou’s early opener – Paris Maghoma with the equalising goal, flicking home from Nathan Holland’s corner.
The goal was just rewards for an improved second-half showing, after the Dons failed to trouble their hosts in a disappointing first 45 minutes.
Reflecting on the game, Jackson said: “We know it wasn't good enough first-half, we're not hiding from that, and though it wasn't vintage us, we showed we've got enough to get points.
“We didn't cause them any problems whatsoever in the first-half. It was a team I didn't recognise. They scored a great goal but it deflated us and we didn't have any attacking impetus. I felt we played into their hands and didn't mix our game up enough.
“I had words with them at half-time - I had to because it wasn't good enough. It's the first time I've had to really do that. We didn't have the right tempo, and we weren't connected.
“We changed formation and adapted it, and I challenged them to have more territory, and I think it worked. We had to play differently, be more aggressive too.
“The subs made a real impact in the second-half. Griggy (Will Grigg), Nathan Holland, Brad (Johnson) at the end and Dawson (Devoy) too.
“All credit to Dawson - he's been back home in Ireland for a familiar bereavement so that's why he was out of the team, but he went on and put a fantastic display in and helped get us back in the game.”
Jackson added: “In the end, we’re coming away with a point from Lincoln, who haven't been beaten at home. To go 1-0 down and to come back is a point gained I think. We've definitely lost games and played better than that.”
The draw wasn’t enough to lift the Dons out of the bottom four in Sky Bet League One but does claw them to within a point of safety.
“We'll take the point, and now we're looking to Saturday, ticking another one off and going for three points.
“I lived it last year at Leeds (United), and it went right to the wire. This will be no different so we’re going to need everybody.”
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Mark Jackson's MK Dons go again on Saturday when they travel to Vale Park to face Port Vale.
Tickets are priced at £24 adults, £19 over-62s, £16 18-21s and £12 13-17s while under-13s go FREE. To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to book up until 4pm on Friday.
