Dons boss sticking by away-day philosophy

RUSSELL Martin is refusing to change MK Dons’ approach to away games, despite an underwhelming defeat away at Gillingham.

Mikael Mandron and Brandon Hanlan scored within two first-half minutes, while Max Ehmer wrapped up the points after Alex Gilbey had threatened a second-half Dons comeback.

Defeat was an 11th in 14 league games for the visitors, but rookie manager Martin isn’t ripping up the plan any time soon, despite sitting in the relegation zone at Christmas.

“There was a big difference between the first half and second half,” he said. “They’ve not cut us open or had loads and loads of chances, but whatever chances they have had ended up in the goal.

“I’m not going to go anywhere away from home and set up to try to defend. That’s not us, that’s not in our DNA, that’s not in our philosophy.

“Their second goal is definitely offside, but we should deal with the initial situation better.”

The Gills started brightly and only a last-ditch block from captain Dean Lewington prevented Olly Lee from putting the hosts in front after just 50 seconds.

Lee turned provider for Mandron’s opener after 31 minutes, as he met the midfielder’s brilliant chip to glance a header past Lee Nicholls.

Steve Evans’ side doubled their advantage two minutes later as Mandron – seemingly coming back from an offside position – played in leading scorer Hanlan to fire home.

MK Dons improved after the break and a brilliant individual goal from Alex Gilbey after 52 minutes brought them back into the game.

However, Gills defender Ehmer restored the hosts’ twogoal advantage five minutes later after reacting quickest to Nicholls’ parry from Lee’s driven free-kick.

“If we wanted to believe that last week’s point at Fleetwood was going to be a really good point we had to win against MK Dons,” said manager Evans.

“The only disappointment is that the game was not done and dusted after 45 minutes. They’re lucky it’s not four or five-nil at half-time.

“I’m really pleased with the first half. Their goal has a little bit of good fortune.

“I wanted us to go into the January window within six points of contention. That’s still the objective.”