Chesterfield manager Paul Cook commended MK Dons as “one of the best teams in the league” following his side’s 3-0 defeat at Stadium MK on Tuesday night.
Despite a spirited effort, the Spireites were undone by a record-breaking opener and a first-half red card that left them battling uphill for the remainder of the match.
Early Setbacks Shape the Game
The game began disastrously for Chesterfield, with Scott Hogan scoring the fastest goal in MK Dons’ history just 12 seconds after kickoff. The situation worsened midway through the first half when Darren Oldaker was sent off for a second yellow card. Alex Gilbey quickly capitalised, doubling the Dons’ lead moments after the dismissal. Gilbey added his second and MK Dons’ third late in the match to seal the result.
Reflecting on the match, Cook said:
“MK Dons are one of the best teams in the league and will make you suffer with the ball. We had to be patient and wait for our chances when they came. We hit the post twice, and Kane (Drummond) had a chance. It could have been different if one of those had gone in, but we were fighting a big uphill battle after the sending off.”
Chesterfield’s Positives Amid the Struggles
Despite the result, Cook took encouragement from his side’s effort and moments of promise, particularly their ability to create opportunities against a strong opponent. However, the manager also voiced his frustration with the officiating, particularly Oldaker’s sending off, which he believes was harsh.
“The first booking was not a yellow card, and I’m really disappointed with the sending off. We aren’t getting the run of the green at the moment.”
Looking Ahead
The defeat underscores Chesterfield’s ongoing challenges as they look to solidify their position in the league. While Cook acknowledged MK Dons’ quality, he remains optimistic about his team’s ability to compete and improve.
Writer’s View
Paul Cook’s Chesterfield side showed glimpses of promise against a high-calibre opponent, but key moments—including the early red card—proved decisive. While MK Dons’ dominance underlines their credentials as promotion contenders, Chesterfield must focus on building belief and capitalising on chances to turn competitive performances into results. The Spireites’ resilience will be crucial as they aim to bounce back from this setback.
