The Return of a Legend
Bristol City's home clash with MK Dons was one that supporters of the Dons looked for when the fixtures came out. For one simple reason. The return of a legend. The first academy product MK Dons produced, a man loved on and off the field, Sam Baldock. The whole week had seen talk about Sam, and his younger brother George, who is still playing for the MK.
Two O'Clock arrived, the team news was in. Both of the brothers started. Sean O'Driscoll had packed his Bristol City side full of quality including the likes of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Frank Fielding, Greg Cunningham, Scott Wagstaff and Marvin Elliott. Karl Robinson opted to keep Jon Otsemobor in the heart of his defence with Dean Lewington still out injured and Luke Chadwick started ahead of Dele Alli while Lee Hodson played his 100th career game at just 21.
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| Brothers in arms at Stadium:MK |
The referee blew, the talk had stopped and the game commenced and it didn't take long for Sam Baldock to get involved, he scored a hat trick in his last game at Stadium:MK and was looking lively again, on 4 minutes he had the first attempt of the game, a taim effort gathered comfortably by Dons' stopper David Martin.
On 10 minutes the Dons' wide man Jason Banton latched onto a ball from Darren potter but could not capitalise, firing his shot over Frank Fielding's goal. The game had got off to a tight start with neither team looking likely to score but on 21 minutes a searching Joe Bryan free kick found Aden Flint at the back post, his header thundering against David Martin's right hand post.
The Dons then dominated the next 10 minutes, the Robins couldn't cope with MK Dons' slick passing that created an opening for on-loan striker Patrick Bamford. Lee Hodson, George Baldock and Stephen Gleeson combining with the latter threading a delightful ball through but Bamford could only hit the outside of the post with his effort.
On 37 minutes came the inevitable, ex-dons man Baldock finding space in the box and firing an unstoppable half volley past a stranded David Martin, it just had to be. The elder sibling not moving a muscle in celebration, respecting the people who once worshiped him. That took the game through to half time at 1-0.
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| Sam Baldock hit a hat trick against Chesterfield |
Karl Robinson sent his men out early for the second half, clearly not happy at what he had seen thus far.
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| Patrick Bamford celebrating his second goal of the season |
The Dons came out like men possessed in the second half, however the first chance of the half came to ex-Manchester City man Greg Cunningham who fired his shot into the 1000+ travelling Bristol City supporters in the Stadium:MK North stand. Two minutes later the Dons were on terms. Luke Chadwick's surge forced the Bristol City defence back as he threaded a ball through to Patrick Bamford who fired a left footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Frank Fielding no chance.
A minute later and Jason Banton left the field to be replaced to be replaced by fellow loanee Samir Carruthers. More good play from the Dons' front line saw the sub's shot fly just over the bar, the men from MK1 on the front foot and looking for the lead as Karl Robinson made his second change on the hour as Dele Alli entered in place of Lee Hodson which saw George Baldock move to right back.
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| Sam Baldock put City 2-1 up |
Minutes later a long kick from Fielding saw the Dons defence caught and Baldock was clean through, David Martin didn't move as Baldock's fired a clinical shot past him and into the bottom corner in front of the travelling support. No celebration once again from the Robins' captain and a second Stadium:MK hat trick in a row looked on the cards.
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| Carruthers' finish earned the Dons' a point |
The Dons' went looking for their second equaliser of the game and just 3 minutes later they had it.This goal almost identical to the first. Alli won the ball and ran at the defence, sliding the ball through to Carruthers who's first time finish into the top corner was one that would have looked at home in the Premier League.
That left 20 minutes for a winner to come as Luke Chadwick was taken off to be replaced by Izale McLeod in Karl Robinson's final move and Jordan Wynter was introduced in place of Bobby Reid.
With ten minutes to go MK Dons survived strong claims for a penalty from Bristol City as Joe Bryan was sent flying by Antony Kay, the Bristol City fans incensed. City piled on the pressure and a fantastic save by Martin from a powerful Emmanuel-Thomas strike fell to Baldock as his hat trick looked all but sealed, but the Reds' skipper failed to control the ball and was left wondering what could have been. The game was coming to a close as the fourth official held his board aloft the Dons were given a free kick 28 yards out. The Dons' set piece specialist Shaun Williams stepped up. He bent his free kick round the wall to see a flying Frank Fielding tip the ball onto the post with the save of the match, the follow up falling to the defence who swiftly cleared.
All that was left was a couple of free kicks for the Dons' that proved fruitless as Karl Robinson's men ended the strongest, a point a fair result for both as MK trailed twice and both times fought back.
Player Ratings:
David Martin- The MK Dons' keeper didn't have too much to do, but made a very important save from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 6.5
Lee Hodson- Was the only outlet when under pressure during the first half, touch and control was poor. Defending was pleasing. 7
Antony Kay- Solid as ever, won just about every header, marshaled Sam Baldock to the best of his abilities. 9
Jon Otsemobor- Not cut out to play centre back, lot to learn for him. 5
Shaun Williams- Quite game, has much more of an effect as centre back, looked dangerous from set plays. 7.5
Darren Potter- Protected the back four as per usual, calm and collected. 8
Stephen Gleeson- Stand in captain, classy as ever. 8
Jason Banton- Looked threatening first half, adds something to our team. 8
Luke Chadwick- Poor first half, stuck at it and got himself an assist. 7.5
George Baldock- Managed the occasion well, his combination down the right with Hodson looks promising. 7.5
Patrick Bamford- Put himself about, added a goal to his tally, good performance. 8.5
Samir Carruthers- Very good acquisition, looking forward to seeing him start, changed the game and scored with a good finish. 8
Dele Alli- Making his way in the game, provided the assist for the second, looked assured. 7.5
Izale Mcleod- Needs a run of starts, things not going his way. 6.5
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