Karl Robinson praised MK Dons for a professional performance, while also sympathising with Rochdale after his side's 2-1 win at Spotland.
A third-minute strike from Jay O'Shea put the visitors in the driving seat and they made the result safe when substitute Dean Bowditch scored with his first touch after the break.
Although Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro pulled one back for the home side, the outcome was never in doubt and victory moved the Dons a step closer to cementing a fourth-placed finish.
"You had to feel for Rochdale because with their fate already settled, this was always going to be a difficult game for them to bounce back," Robinson said.
"John Coleman (Dale boss) and his staff have tried hard to lift a de-motivated squad since they took over, but they inherited a team which had been losing games, and you could see why.
"But I thought we were thoroughly professional. This has not always been a happy hunting ground for us, but this victory made up for that. It wasn't really an enjoyable game from my point of view. It wasn't a thrilling match, but we had a project coming into the game and we executed that really well."
© 2013 - British Sky Broadcasting Ltd