MK Dons manager Russell Martin was satisfied with a point in his side's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, admitting the Black Cats have one of the 'best teams and strongest squads in the league'.
Lee Johnson's side saw an early lead disappear as Charlie Wyke's opener was cancelled out by goals from Joe Mason and Cameron Jerome in a frenetic opening period.
Luke O'Nien's second-half equaliser earned the visitors a share of the spoils, but Martin was pleased with his side's application against a Sunderland outfit he rates highly.
“It was a really good game. It was two good teams, going toe-to-toe, battling for control and territory," he told the MK Dons' website.
“We were playing one of the best teams and strongest squads in the league, who are working hard under their new manager to get some momentum.
“We started really well and I didn't see their first goal coming at all. (Aiden) McGeady picks it up a long way from goal and it takes one pass for them to score. It was too soft.
“To go 1-0 down so early, it would have been easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves, but it actually led to our best period of the game.
“We bounced back really well, but then struggled in the final 15 minutes of the first half and needed half-time.
“The second half was a bit ‘ding-dong’. If the pitch was better, I think we'd have gained more control than we did and given away fewer chances.
“We were tired towards the end but you can't question the character and willingness. In other Sunderland games we’ve seen, the last 20 minutes turns into them attacking and dominating, and other teams hanging on, but that didn't happen here.
“That's why I'm not too disappointed in the point. It’s a good point for us, although we had some good chances and, on another day, we could have had a few more goals.”
Sunderland now head to Shrewsbury on Tuesday night before hosting in-form Doncaster at the Stadium of Light next Saturday.
