Match Views . . . MK Dons

Stephen Robinson and Ian Barraclough

ATHLETIC boss Stephen Robinson conceded his side were second-best on the day:

"It was a deserved result. MK Dons were the better team throughout and we didn't turn up again, it's as simple as that.

"We can't put our finger on it. We played really well at Charlton and to go from that high to this, I have told some players some home truths. They are kidding themselves a little bit.

"All we ask for is desire and a work ethic as a bare minimum, but only three players could say they gave that.

"Every touch we took in the first half was backwards and we were negative.

"Jamie Reckord was ill and had to come off at half-time, so that influences what you can do substitution-wise.

"We looked like we played with fear, which is the biggest worry for me.

"You can't legislate for the goals we conceded.

"Connor Ripley has been superb and keeps us in games every week. We had loads of time to react to that and they didn't do that."

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson was delighted to secure a fourth away win:

"We looked like a good team. There was a bit of concern when George Baldock came off with a hamstring injury, but we were defensively very strong and it was a good performance.

"Hopefully, our fans have gone back down the motorway happy, because it's the supporters we do it for.

"Darren Potter marshalled the midfield outstandingly well and I'm happy the back four stood up and were counted, because we needed a clean sheet.

"We have one of the best away records anywhere, so now we need to start doing it at home as well.

"Everyone can see we are getting better game-by-game and we are slowly starting to build some momentum."