Why MK Dons boss Russell Martin still felt 'disappointed' despite 'good day' against Portsmouth

Yet, the MK Dons boss confessed he was disappointed his side failed to score more in their 1-0 win against Danny Cowley’s side.

The hosts suffered their biggest defeat of the season when humbled by the Imps at Sincil Bank.

But just like Crewe – who conceded six against Oxford just days before the Blues’ Tuesday night trip to Gresty Road – they rallied to produce a performance at Pompey’s expense.

The result sees them move up to 12th on 58 points – seven behind Pompey.

It’s unlikely to see them make a late surge for the play-offs.

Nevertheless, Martin was delighted with the response of this players against a Blues outfit he rates highly – even if he wanted more goals.

He told the MK Citizen: ‘It was a really good day for us.

‘I'm really pleased with the intensity we showed and it's a brilliant reaction from Tuesday night.

‘It was a horrible scoreline for all of us but we bounced back brilliantly. Overall, it's a really good day.

‘Portsmouth are a side fighting for the play-offs, and have been reenergised under the new manager.

‘They are a team who will be, if they don't get promoted, up there next season.

‘They'll be competing at the very top end of the table and we have to test ourselves for that next season.

‘The disappointing thing for me was not scoring more goals.

‘We got in their box a lot, hit the woodwork, Scott (Fraser) had a great chance, Griggy (Will Grigg) had two cleared off the line.

‘I think it got a little bit messy in the second half but Portsmouth committed a lot of people forwards in that second half.’

The Dons’ winner was scored from the penalty spot in the 41st-minute by Fraser following a foul by Charlie Daniels on Ethan Laird.

The Blues’ best chances fell in the first half, with Ronan Curtis and John Marquis both missing opportunities in front of goal.