No blame on Darling after Blackpool mistake

Russell Martin insisted Harry Darling would not need an arm around the shoulder despite his mistake allowing Jerry Yates to score the only goal of the night for Blackpool.

The 21-year-old defender, who has made an excellent impression since arriving at the club in January from Cambridge, slipped on the ball to allow the Tangerines striker to round keeper Andrew Fisher for the only goal of the game as Dons suffered their third defeat in a row on Tuesday.

But after a bright start to life at Stadium MK, his manager said Darling would not need any reassurances and he would not be judged on making a mistake.

Martin said: "He doesn't need that (an arm around the shoulder) – he'll get it but he doesn't need it. Harry has been incredible, it's not his fault.

"The courage, mentality he has on the ball. He's never played League One football before, never played in a style like this and he has been incredible. I have no problem with him making one mistake.

"I'm disappointed for him and us, but I won't ask him to change anything about his game. He'll learn from the experience, move forward and get better."