Robinson won’t be blaming keeper
MK DONS boss Karl Robinson refused to blame keeper Dave Martin after his howler gifted Bradford City victory at Valley Parade.
Robinson watched his side dominate possession for two thirds of the game, creating numerous chances with Stephen Darby blocking Izale McLeod’s first-half effort on the line in what was arguably the best of them.
But then Martin completely missed Stephen Glesson’s bouncing back pass, allowing James Hanson to run in and tuck the ball into an empty net with 20 minutes remaining.
“I thought tactically we got it right, I thought we were the better team,” insisted Robinson.
“I thought we played much the better football.
“I have got tremendous respect for Phil Parkinson and his Bradford side, they work tremendously hard and make things difficult for you.
“For the first 25 minutes in the second half, we got in some tremendous positions but we failed to score.
“I can’t have a go at the players, I thought we deserved far more than what we got.
“That’s the second game in a row that we have beaten the keeper and had an effort cleared off the line.We are getting chances, but just not taking them at the moment.
“He [Dave Martin] should feel responsible for the mistake he made, but he has been superb for us this season.
“We need to score goals, more goals. My teams are based on scoring more goals than the opposition and right now we aren't doing that.”
Martin saved an early one-on-one effort from City’s Aaron McLean, while at the other end Jon McLaughlin palmed away Ben Reeves’ swerving shot.
Hanson struck the bar on 42 minutes, but it was the Dons who were on top with McLaughlin saving another Reeves effort with his feet on 67 minutes.
“You have to win all types of games and MK Dons are technically a very good side, they play 4-3-3 and you know that they will have plenty of the ball,” said Bantams boss Phil Parkinson. “We were very disciplined and have the ability to grind out a goal and a victory. I thought that was a deserved reward for Hanson, he ran himself into the ground for the team.
“The way he looks after himself away from the club is a tribute to his superb attitude. The partnership with McLean is looking better all the time.
“It’s been a great week for us. I thought the signs were good with us being very professional throughout, our defence was very strong.”