MK Dons have moved into the automatic promotion places but insist the League Two title, not just a top-three finish, remains the objective.
Jon Mellish says climbing into third is only a stepping stone as the club prepare for decisive fixtures against fellow promotion rivals.
A 2-0 victory over Walsall at the Bescot Stadium extended Dons’ strong run of form, with Paul Warne’s side now having lost just three times in 24 matches. The result lifted them into the top three once again, but Mellish believes there is scope to aim even higher.
The 28-year-old, on loan from Wigan Athletic, scored late on to secure the points and underline a growing sense of momentum within the squad.
“It’s a nice feeling, we want to cement ourselves and stay in there.
“The goal is obviously to be champions, and we’ve got to chase Bromley, who we’ve got coming up. We’re taking it game-by-game.”
With second-placed Cambridge next up and leaders Bromley still to visit, the upcoming schedule offers Dons a direct opportunity to shape the title race.
Mellish suggested the squad are comfortable operating without the spotlight.
“In the next month, we want to start opening a gap up in the top three and then really push for the top.
“I think it’s nice that we’re chasing, we’re under the radar a bit, just keep ticking off the wins, hopefully we’ll be top of the league and we can stay there.”
Originally a defender before being converted into a midfielder during his time at Carlisle United, Mellish has added physical presence and goal threat to Warne’s side. His late finish against Walsall was only his second of the campaign, but it arrived at a crucial moment.
Dons’ excursions into the automatic places have been brief at times this season, but the broader trend is upward. With 27 league appearances already during his loan spell, Mellish has become a consistent part of the side’s structure as they attempt to convert strong form into tangible reward.
Tone shift as title charge looms
From a wider perspective, the shift in tone is notable. Earlier in the season, the focus was on securing consistency and stabilising results. Now, with momentum established and key fixtures looming, the language has sharpened toward silverware.
Automatic promotion would represent success, but Mellish’s comments suggest the dressing room see a genuine chance to top the table rather than simply survive the run-in. If Dons can translate belief into wins against their closest rivals, the title conversation may soon become very real.
