Dons 'should have more points' after recent peformances

Russell Martin admitted feeling a little disappointed his MK Dons side are not further clear of the League One relegation zone than they are.
Russell Martin says his side deserved more points recently.Russell Martin says his side deserved more points recently.
Russell Martin says his side deserved more points recently.

Performances have significantly improved in the last few months since the departure of Paul Tisdale, but results have not necessarily reflected that, particularly of late. Defeats to Sunderland and Burton Albion do not reflect they way the games played out, but ultimately, Dons remain just three points above the relegation zone in 20th place.

Ahead of his 16th game as manager, Martin believes his side should have more points than they have (12) since he took over.

"We should have more than we have," he said. "We've given away points at Doncaster, Southend, Burton, even against Sunderland I felt we were great for 45 minutes. But it gives me a lot of confidence that we're getting better. Performances are there, we need to sharpen up defending our box in certain situations.

"Everyone can see what the players have given us in the way they work for the team and the connections they have, it's all there. It's time for us now to turn it into results. We're still in the position we're in, but if we can replicate what we've done in the last seven or eight weeks in the next seven or eight weeks, we'll be OK."

Dons did not play at the weekend with Portsmouth in FA Cup action, and have a watching brief in a few weeks again when they have their second 'Bury weekend' of the season. After a pretty relentless schedule recently, Martin said it was not a normal weekend off, but felt his side will benefit from a week without a game.

He said: "I don't think we get any times off at the moment! But it was important to get a week of work in. I speak all the time about improving our process, and sharpening it, and as much as we'd all have loved a game, I think it was good timing for us.

"We will be better for the last two results, we've learned a lot, and I feel it will make us stronger in the next run of games. We should have had more points on board, but it's up to us to show it on the pitch now."