MK Dons manager Scott Lindsey praised the character of his players after their 2-1 League Two win at Chesterfield.
Callum Hendry and Joe White gave the visitors a 2-0 lead before Darren Oldaker reduced the arrears.
Lindsey said: “We showed real character today, especially in the closing minutes. Real togetherness, real character, real grittiness amongst the players, so I congratulate them for that.
“I like the way we played, like bits of the first half. The second half, it became a little bit more like a basketball game end-to-end. It kind of doesn’t suit us, but we’re a work in progress, we will get better at that.
“I felt that the character shown is the most pleasing thing for today. A tough place to come, really, really difficult pitch.
“The conditions aren’t great. So difficult for the players. I felt that in the first half we passed the ball, but we had to be really clean with it because of the pitch.
“A couple of opportunities where we sailed a little close to the wind at times, but I’m pleased with the character. It’s so important that we have that.
“We just need to press on now and win more games and get to a point where we’re right in there. We’re not quite there yet.”
Chesterfield manager Paul Cook praised his players despite the result, saying: “I’m a bit disappointed to be honest because you know what we’ve got on the pitch. The lads kept going and I thought we finished the game really well.
“I thought MK Dons had some good moments in the game, if I’m being honest. We had a bad five-minute spell where we just lose confidence and belief, but I couldn’t be any more proud of them lads.
“We’ve just lost three games on the bounce. I can’t remember the last time I’ve lost three games on the bounce for Chesterfield, I might be wrong, yet I’d never have sat in front of the press and said I’m pleased and proud of the players.
“In the end it was only the width of a line, possibly, that stopped us equalising.
“We finished the game so strong and that’s credit to the players’ desire and the club’s support, so credit to all the players today. I’m really, really pleased with them.
“Our fan base is solid, our away support’s great and we’ve got two fantastic owners, so let’s see what the season can be.
“I just think it’s a really big (transfer) window. I’ve had a meeting with (owners) Ash (Kirk) and Phil (Kirk) this morning.
“They’re so supportive. One of the reasons why I stayed at the club is because of that – that’s the brutal truth.”
