MK Dons boss Scott Lindsey unhappy with Tranmere’s late equaliser

Posted Sunday, October 06, 2024 by PA

MK Dons head coach Scott Lindsey was disappointed with a late Tranmere goal that denied him a first home win.

In Lindsey’s first home game in charge, MK Dons had taken the lead in the 23rd minute when Joe White received Laurence Maguire’s pass and thumped in a first-time strike beyond Luke McGee.

But the home side could not put the game to bed and, with the visitors having had a penalty appeal denied, Tranmere equalised late on when substitute Regan Hendry’s low shot beat Tom McGill to find the net and snatched a 1-1 draw.

Lindsay said: “If we do our jobs properly, we come away with three points.

“With two minutes to play, we don’t hold on to the ball at the top end of the pitch, turn it over in a switch of play and don’t stay with the runner. In two moments, we switch off and the opposition score.

“That’s what happens in professional football – you know, if we don’t do our jobs, even with seconds or minutes to go, the opposition can always hurt you.

“I felt we had the lion’s share of chances and we created some good chances in the game. It wasn’t to be that second half.

“Alex Gilbey had a good header at the far post in the second half, while Joe took his goal great. It was a great goal.

“We probably should’ve asked a little more questions of the opposition in terms of our chances. I think we did have the lion’s share, but I’d like more than we had.”

Tranmere boss Nigel Adkins was happy with the way his team adapted to the challenge posed by MK Dons and felt his team should have had a penalty and the victory.

“I thought we were very good, especially in the second half,” he said.

“We’ve gone and got the equaliser, well deserved. We should’ve had a penalty as well – clear as day penalty, but the referee’s not given it.

“From where I am, I can see it and players on the pitch can see it’s clear as day.

“It’s very frustrating we’ve not gone and won the game from that point as we were knocking on the door all the way through the second half.

“From my point of view, there was some really good stuff we’ve gone and done working in the classroom and on the training ground to change things round against very good opposition and a different type of opposition away from home on a big pitch.

“We’ve grown into the game second half where we’ve been better in possession of the ball.

“For me, the players have shown spirit, work ethic, desire to do well and a togetherness with our supporters.”