Opposition view: Mixed emotions for Martin after MK Dons struggle to break down Cobblers

MK Dons manager Russell Martin admitted he had mixed emotions after his side's goalless draw with the Cobblers on Tuesday.

The visitors controlled possession throughout the contest but managed just one shot on target, a speculative long-range effort from Carlton Morris shortly before half-time.

Town didn't exactly pepper Andrew Fisher's goal at the other end but Fraser Horsfall went close with a couple of headers, one of which hit the crossbar late on.

"I felt like we were in control of the game for pretty much all of it and I'm really proud of the players for how they defended the box and for how little we gave them away from home on a tough pitch," said Martin.

"There are a few things I'm disappointed about, especially in the final third because we completely dominated in their half and they only got close to us from set-pieces.

"We haven't shown enough conviction and composure in the final third but when we do and when it clicks, we can score goals and create chances. If we can get the first goal, it changes the game completely but we haven't done that enough.

"I think that's because of the way the other teams have approached it. They've put a lot of bodies behind the ball and made it hard for us to break down and credit to them because they defended very well.

"Our lads defended brilliantly and on the whole I'm really pleased. I would have liked to have created more, for sure, but it's really tough with the way that they play.

"We've been really aggressive with the ball in the last few games and the way we move up the pitch with it so I'm delighted with the players. We've got some momentum now and it's something for us to build on."

Martin did have one grievance with the referee after Alan Sheehan's challenge on Cameron Jerome was not penalised.

He added: "It's just outside the box, but he's just about to shoot. It's a foul, I'd need to look back at it. Common sense and logic says he's not just going to go down, it's ridiculous, but you win some, you lose some."