Michael Appleton left to rue wasted opportunities

Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by PA

Michael Appleton was left ruing missed first-half chances after Lincoln’s 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

Rhys Healey’s third-minute free-kick gave the visitors the lead but a stunning strike from recent loan signing Liam Bridcutt hauled City level midway through the first half.

The home side then missed two huge chances with Tyreece John-Jules hitting the bar from close range and Jake Hesketh firing high and wide after finding himself clean through on goal.

Appleton admitted a draw was “probably a fair enough result” but felt it could have been better.

He said he will work to make sure the confidence of his attacking players is not dented by those missed opportunities.

“I thought the game should have been out of sight in the first half,” said Appleton.

“It was slightly frustrating to only come in on level terms at half-time. It was disappointing to go behind so soon in the game. Having lost four in a row, the lads could have gone under but they composed themselves and responded really well.

“We showed good character to come back into it and scored a fantastic goal. But when you miss the opportunities we missed, it can affects certain individuals in the team and we have to manage that.

“We’ll manage them in right way and make sure they stay positive, keep doing the right things and keep getting in the right areas. If they keep getting in there, one will bounce off their back side or their shin or their face. All of sudden they’ll get going again.”

The result saw the Dons maintain their 10-point cushion over Tranmere, who drew with Bristol Rovers, and extend their unbeaten run to four games.

Manager Russell Martin felt his side should have taken all three points.

“I’m delighted with the performance. We limited them to very little,” said Martin.

“We gave them a couple of half-chances in the first half by trying to do our thing and play our way on a really bobbly, difficult pitch.

“I thought we got better as the game went on. We got stronger and looked really fit. I thought we were the best team over the whole game and we had three or four really good chances in the second half to win it.

“We’ve come to a tough place in difficult conditions and I’m a little disappointed we haven’t won, but I’m also extremely pleased and proud of the players.

“It’s another game where we feel like we’re improving and building. There’s still loads to work on, there’s no doubt about that, but that’s four games unbeaten and eight points.

“I’m proud of the players for that and we’ve now got a little break which the players deserve.”