Mike Williamson says there is plenty to learn from MK Dons’ Emirates FA Cup tie with reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Williamson’s men were beaten 3-2 by the Royals, exiting the competition at the First-Round stage after an eventful affair in Berkshire.
Reading took the lead after only three minutes but the Dons levelled the scores through Alex Gilbey shortly before half-time.
Two goals in four second-half minutes from Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing then restored the Royals’ lead – one they would maintain despite Max Dean’s stoppage-time strike, which set up a nervy finish.
“I think on the result, it's a difficult one to reflect on at the moment,” the Head Coach said afterwards in his post-match press conference.
“I thought the contrast of halves was disappointing, but it has been a bit of a theme for us which is something we have to address.
“In the first half, you could see what we are trying to achieve. There's an element of frustration getting the better of us, though, and there's details, when teams do step on, that we haven't quite got to grips with.
“We have to accept we'll suffer in some spells in games, but it's how we go about getting back on the ball we have to address. We have to find ways to wrestle back momentum when we lose it.
“In the second-half, there were numerous times we played into traps. The courage and conviction we showed to do it was fantastic but we sometimes lost sight of why we're doing it.
“But you can see the boys fought right until the end. We saw a spirit, and we went right to the final whistle so there are a lot of positives to take.”
There was a moment of controversy in the final few seconds when Dean was bundled to the floor by a Reading defender while trying to latch onto a cross. Williamson was asked whether his side should have been awarded a penalty.
“I've watched it back and the defender has clattered into Max, but whether he was going to get onto the end of it is the question - we feel he would have.
“It's disappointing because we feel we should have had the penalty but, ultimately, it's a difference of opinion and perception - it's just a hard one for us to swallow.”
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Mike Williamson and MK Dons turn their focus back to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday when they take on Newport County at Rodney Parade.
Tickets are on sale from the Box Office and online. Tickets are priced from £21 adults, £19 60+, £15 16-21s, £12 under-16s and £10 under-12s while under-6s go FREE!
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy from the Box Office and online up until 4pm on Friday.
