MK Dons boss Mike Williamson left Valley Parade upbeat despite his side’s heavy loss.

The visitors had 72 per cent of the possession and more shots and corners than City in their 4-0 defeat last night.

Williamson praised the character of his players to keep going in a “crazy” game.

He said: “The scoreline is a difficult one to take but I’m proud of the boys.

“It was a difficult pitch to play on, I thought we controlled it and the first goal was against the run of play.

“We’ve got to be humble in defeat but the character and willingness was out there. The heads didn’t drop and they wanted to move the ball.

“It was a bit of a crazy football game. It was as if they had an invisible wall in front of their goal.

“We had a few chances, especially in the second half, but every attack they had seemed to go in.

“We weren’t clinical or clean enough. I thought we entered the final third quite comfortably but then it broke down in our transition.

“The lads’ quality will differ and I can accept that. But it’s their desire and intention is what I’ll judge them on and I’m really happy with the spirit and the grit of the boys.”

City got their own back for the 4-1 beating they took at Stadium MK in October and Williamson admitted the hosts provided a tough test.

“Being humble, they are good at what they do,” he added. “They keep the ball alive around the box.

“They are big, they’re physical and organised and we’ve got to accept that and move on.

“When you’re come and up against it like we were, I’m looking at character and the reaction of the lads.

“I didn’t see anything that disappointed me. There’s so much to work with moving forward.

“We’ve got to improve in many different areas but the boys are willing to do that.”