Back to the drawing board for MK Dons – boss Tisdale

Paul Tisdale insisted MK Dons must “start again” after their 2-0 defeat at Rochdale.

The visitors were on the back foot from the off, Dale taking the lead just two and a half minutes into the contest when Callum Camps brilliantly volleyed Aaron Morley’s corner goalward and Matty Done turned the ball in from close range.

The Dons had chances of their own with Callum Brittain on the end of several but unable to convert. And when Ian Henderson headed Dale’s second on the hour mark, the result was all but wrapped up.

The Dons have now gone seven games without a win, picking up just one point from a possible 21 on what has been a torrid run. And things do not get any easier with a clash against Fleetwood at the weekend.

“I wasn’t impressed with what we did tonight, so we have to start again,” said Tisdale.

“It’s hard not to be angry, but I have to temper that and have a think about it because there was so much not working I don’t know where to start. It doesn’t help when they score in the first few minutes.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to find a way out of our malaise, we are on a really bad run and I’m under no illusion on that.

“The players are trying but they need clarity, they need direction and a sense of purpose.

“The supporters can’t be happy and I feel for them. It’s not a time to be critical.

“The players are trying hard to be successful, but it’s just not working. I’m not losing faith in them, they are trying hard and so am I.”

The Dons had plenty of possession after Dale’s opening goal with Brittain firing into the side netting from close range and shooting over when presented with a clear view of the target just before the break.

But Dale looked the more dangerous side, MJ Williams striking the post and Done’s lofted effort narrowly clearing the bar.

After the break, Brittain shot wide from a tight angle while Jimmy Keohane forced a save out of Lee Nicholls at the other end before Henderson’s header secured Dale their third successive victory.

“We were very conscious of how much it would take against an opponent we know very well,” said Dale boss Brian Barry-Murphy.

“There are a lot of tired bodies in the changing rooms, a lot of guys who have given everything for the cause and we can deal with their recovery and reflect on a huge effort over the past four or five weeks when results have been tough.

“Now the players are getting the results they deserve having come through a lot of adversity.

“MK Dons have been a very good technical team but some of our attacking play was exceptional.”