Days following play-off defeat have been tough but positive for Williamson

MK Dons boss Mike Williamson said there was nowhere to hide after his side’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Crawley Town in the play-offs on Tuesday night.

It leaves Dons with a huge task on Saturday night to reverse the scoreline and to get to the Wembley final themselves, but Williamson remains confident his side can turn things around.

“It has been a tough few days for everyone,” he said. “It wasn't a good performance or result there was nothing there we could come away and be proud of.

“There are no bones about it - we weren't good enough in the first leg, but we have to be at home. I know these boys can suffer but use it, so that's the fuel, and our quality speaks for itself.

“We've got a big task ahead of us, but speaking to everyone, there is no doubt that we can achieve it, and all our focus has been on what we can do to make sure we maximise our levels and enjoy it - you've got to enjoy every challenge but also to leave no stone unturned.”

Though Dons were so far off the pace at the Broadfield Stadium, Williamson insisted they were not caught by surprise by Crawley’s approach, adding: “We knew how good they would be at home, they've got a very similar home record to us. They were physical, and they took their chance, we didn't. I can live with that.

“We came up short, and that's fine with me, but they had to give everything and sitting here now, we've still got everything to play for.”