Mark Jackson reveals penalty frustration after MK Dons’ defeat at Fleetwood

Posted Sunday, April 23, 2023 by PA

MK Dons boss Mark Jackson felt aggrieved after an overturned penalty cost his side dear in their 1-0 defeat at Fleetwood.

Promise Omochere’s third goal in as many games, on the stroke of half-time, separated the two sides in the Sky Bet League One match.

Referee Rebecca Welch initially awarded the Dons a spot-kick with 20 minutes to go, before changing her decision to a free-kick after deciding the handball occurred just outside the box.

“I’m not so sure about the penalty,” insisted Jackson. “It’s really unclear from the footage I’ve seen, it could be on the line.

“The referee’s changed her mind and, OK, we have to swallow that. I thought it was unclear.

“She was in a great position to initially give the penalty but these things happen.”

However, Jackson was quick to point to his shot-shy side for failing to put pressure on debutant goalkeeper Stephen McMullan.

He added: “It’s really disappointing, I feel for the fans who have travelled a hell of a long way to support us.

“We had a real go and pushed towards the end. Fleetwood players were throwing themselves in front of our shots in that second half.

“I don’t think we worked their goalkeeper enough and that’s been a theme in recent weeks, it’s bitterly disappointing.

“We knew we needed to create opportunities to get shots away and it’s something we need to put right. We need to start shooting if we want to score goals.

“The goal knocked us and wobbled us for a little bit, we were lucky to only be 1-0 down at half-time.”

Scott Brown’s side have rediscovered their form towards the end of the season and are unbeaten in their last three games.

“I’m delighted with the last three performances,” said Brown.

“We’ve managed to pull seven points up, which is huge for us at this moment in time.

“I know we’re safe [from relegation] and I know we’ve not got a lot to play for, but the lads showed a real fighting spirit. They showed a real willingness to get on the ball and drive forward.

“In the first half we were exceptional. I think that’s the best we’ve started in a game. We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at half-time with the amount of chances we had.

“You always think it’s going to play the same way in the second half, but MK Dons changed their shape a little bit and they started to come into the game a little bit.

“That was always going to happen because they’re fighting for their lives and they’re in a situation.

“But I thought we handled it really well and we put our bodies on the line when we had to.

“We also had a lot of opportunities to go 2-0 or 3-0 from counter-attacks, but I’d like us to be a little more ruthless.”