MK Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted that his side need to defend set-pieces better after the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Cardiff.A second penalty in three days on the stroke of half-time by Ross McCormack and a 58th minute free-kick from Peter Whittingham proved just enough to put the Bluebirds into round three.

A header from Sean O'Hanlon in the 75th minute gave the Dons some hope but they could not find an equaliser.

Di Matteo said: "I am very proud of my team as they put up a great performance against a side from a higher division.

"We conceded from two set pieces but despite that we defended well. We expected them to be better than us but generally I was very satisfied with the way we played.

"We were missing one or two first-team players but it gave me the chance to see how others perform and that was worthwhile."

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