Dons ‘didn’t do a lot to win the game’ against Vale, claims Clarke

Port Vale boss Darrell Clarke did not feel MK Dons had to do an awful lot to deal his side their second defeat of the season last night.

Two Bradley Johnson goals, one in either half, ensured Liam Manning’s side picked up their first points of the season, though Ellis Harrison’s late header made for a nervous finale for the home side.

Manning admitted in his post-match press conference that Dons were not close to their best but needed to get the win by any means necessary.

And while his side were on the receiving end of the defeat, Clarke felt Dons did not cause his side too many problems.

"It's a frustrating evening," Clarke said. "They haven't done a lot to win the game, and we're frustrated with our quality at times, and getting the right forward cohesion.

“We got into some good positions, but we didn't have a good final ball, finish, a clinical pass. We're coming away scratching our heads because we haven't shown the right composure.”

Vale captain Tom Conlon added: "I agree with the gaffer - they scored a goal from 30 yards and then a free-kick. It's really frustrating for us, but it's Tuesday and we'll hope to bounce back on Saturday."