Tranmere 3-2 MK Dons

Return of the Rovers in Tranmere's first home win since March

MK Dons dismal October came to a climax at struggling Tranmere Rovers.  The Dons went into this one off the back of 4 defeats from 5 league games so far this month and looking for just their second win on the road this term.

As injury problems mounted Karl Robinson had to completely revamp his squad from last weekend's solitary October win against Rotherham.  Loanee Jordan Spence made his debut alongside the returning Shaun Williams as Luke Chadwick was also included in the starting 11. Jon Otsemobor continued to keep Lee Hodson out the team in the right-back battle. Ronnie Moore went with experienced goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, Abdulai Bell-Baggie and former Dons striker Ryan Lowe in his matchday starters.  Lowe was joint top-scorer for the visitors last season and captain the hosts on Saturday as his name was sung before kick off in a warm reception from the 180 travelling supporters. 

The Merseyside club had not won at Prenton Park since March but started the better.  Former Dons players have come back to haunt them this season as Sam Baldock netted a brace at Stadium:MK in August and former loanee David Amoo combined with Lewis Guy for the winner just 4 days ago in Carlisle's 1-0 win in MK1 and today was to be no different.  Lowe, who scored 12 times in 51 games for the Stadium:MK side, pounced on a wayward defensive header by Williams and smartly lobbed 'keeper Ian McLoughlin from outside the box to the striker's delight as he wheeled away in celebration, much to the visiting supporters dismay and anger.

Tranmere continued to pile on the early pressure and it took quarter of an hour for MK to have a notable shot.  Dean Lewington fired a rasping shot towards the goal at the Kop end and brought a smart save from Fon Williams.  The visitors continued to get into their slick passing stride and another chance wasn't far away.  Otsemobor's determined run and cross was perfectly directed towards former Manchester United player Chadwick but he could only head comfortably into the arms of Fon Williams. 

It hadn't been a classic.  But going into half time the Dons didn't want to be behind. Thanks to Daniel Powell, they weren't going to be.  The wingers surge from half way frightening the Tranmere defenders and Powell's 20 yard shot nestled into the bottom corner. Powell off the mark for the season, Dons off the mark for the day.

Dons celebrate Powell's equaliser

A timely goal for the visitors took them through to half time all square at 1-1.

Not for the first time this season the Dons came out fired up for the second half and inside 3 minutes of the restart they hit the front through a second brilliant individual goal.  This time from fellow winger Jason Banton.  The Crystal Palace loanee bamboozled Max Power twisting and turning multiple times before curling his right footed shot into the far corner at the Cowshed end where the Dons fans were housed.

Banton's solo effort 

From then on in it was virtually all Tranmere.  Firstly a Jim McNulty volley zipped just over the crossbar. Jordan Spence was solid in his first hour in a Dons shirt but his debut was about to come crashing down to earth.  A free kick from half way inside the MK Dons half was seemingly going wide of goal and nowhere near anybody in the packed penalty box.  However, Ash Taylor went sprawling to the Prenton Park turf and referee Steve Rushton deemed it was because of a Spence tug on the defender's shirt.  Lowe stepped up and confidently dispatched his spot kick past McLoughlin, who went the right way, to level it up at 2-2.  

Former Don scores again

The quiet Patrick Bamford was next to be involved. Spence's accurate long ball was brought down terrifically by the striker but the league's top scorer could only poke agonisingly wide of Fon Williams' right hand upright from 7 yards.

The visitors had been on the right end of a late winner in a 3-2 victory the previous Saturday but it was to be the wrong end this week. Chris Atkinson's deep cross found Jake Kirby who unselfishly laid the ball back for James Rowe who slotted the ball home from 12 yards to give Tranmere their first home win of the season.

With that the Dons were condemned to their 5th October defeat and will be thankful to see the back of the month.  Karl Robinson will feel his side should have deserved at least a point if not more however that is football.  The Stadium:MK side slip to 11th and host Walsall next weekend. 

Tranmere Rovers:

1. Owain Fon Williams 2. Danny Holmes (18. Steve Jennings) 4. Ash Taylor 6. Tom Hateley (12. James Rowe) 9. Ryan Lowe 11. Abdulai Bell-Baggie (3. Evan Horwood) 14. Chris Atkinson 15. Jake Kirby 17. Max Power 20. Jim McNulty 23. Liam Ridehaigh

Subs not used: 25. Bradley Watkins 16. Cole Stockton 19. Akpo Sodje 22. Jason Koumas

Goals: Lowe 7' 66' (pen) Rowe 84'

Booked: Horwood

MK Dons:

16. Ian McLoughlin 2. Jon Otsemobor 3. Dean Lewington 6. Shaun Williams 8. Darren Potter 10. Luke Chadwick (13. Izale McLeod) 12. Ben Reeves (22. Samir Carruthers) 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 21. Jason Banton 23. Jordan Spence

Subs not used: 50. Charlie Burns 4. Tom Flanagan 5. Lee Hodson 11. Alan Smith 18. George Baldock

Goals: Powell 39' Banton 49'

Booked: Spence

MK Dons 3-2 Rotherham

Millers brought down to earth by brilliant Bamford

For the second time in October MK Dons were up against a newly promoted side.  This came in the form of Steve Evans Rotherham United.  This wasn't just any home game.  Rotherham's arrival in MK1  marked the first game at the newly completed Stadium:MK and the home side wanted to mark it with a win.  The 11,564 fans that turned out on Family Dons Day were going to be in for a treat.

Robinson was without Luke Chadwick from last weekend's loss to table topping Orient however welcomed back first choice 'keeper David Martin.  Ben Reeves was handed just his second league start and Jason Banton was recalled.  Lee Hodson took up his place on the bench after returning from international duty with Northern Ireland.  Steve Evans opted for an immediate return for Michael O'Connor and ex-Wycombe striker Alex Revell started.  Fellow ex-Wycombe player Scott Shearer was between the sticks and former Peterborough midfielder Lee Frecklington started.

Both teams had suffered disappointing defeats the week before as the hosts surrendered a 1-0 lead against Leyton Orient and Rotherham suffered a thrashing from Swindon at home, 4-0.

The Dons, unbeaten at home, started the brighter and it wasn't long before Bamford was in the action.  2 Rotherham defenders failed to deal with Banton's pass, falling at the feet of Bamford but the striker was thwarted by Millers' keeper Shearer who diverted the ball out for a corner via his legs.

In an exchange of chances, Revell was put through by Ben Pringle, his shot was smartly saved by the returning Martin.

Next to go close once again was the home side.  Daniel Powell ran at left back Joe Skarz who was reluctant to tackle.  Powell took aim low and across goal but Shearer could only parry, following up was Bamford who slid in under pressure but couldn't quite reach the loose ball allowing a greatful Shearer to gather comfortably.

David Martin was then called upon for the second time.  Darren Potter's poor touch allowed Pringle to dispossess him as the ball once again fell to Revell, his second one on one chance resulted in the same outcome as the first as Martin stood firm to block the strikers effort.

Robinson's men then moved into their next gear.  Shaun Williams' smart free kick from 30 yards drew another smart save from the busy Shearer.

On half time, the Dons finally broke the stubborn Rotherham deadlock.  Bamford's lofted ball took the Millers' back line out the game and Stephen Gleeson, who was running onto the ball, was unfairly brought down by the returning Michael O'Connor.  O'Connor was dismissed due to him being the last man.  Regular penalty taker Williams stepped up and squeezed the ball (just) under Shearer in front of 1,400 travelling fans and that was the half.

Williams scoring his 10th league penalty for MK Dons

The impressive Martin was replaced at half time due to a tight calf, Ian McLoughin replacing him as Millers' boss Evans was banished to the stands by referee Bobby Madley.

The second period saw no change in the run of play, the dangerous Bamford, Banton and vice-captain Stephen Gleeson all going close but the Dons needed to kill the game off and the longer that went on, the longer Rotherham looked like coming back into it.

However shooting towards their favoured Cowshed end, the second came.  More good work from Powell who had the beating of Skarz saw him fire his low cross across goal, this time Shearer could only parry to Ben Reeves who couldn't miss from 2 yards.  His tap in was his first league goal for the Dons and undoubtedly will be his easiest however long he stays at Stadium:MK.

Reeves tapped home for no.2

2-0 up and cruising, MK looked like 3 points were in the bag.  After the travelling fans had finally decided it wasn't the best idea to fight amongst themselves a pinpoint cross from the right found the head of Frecklington who guided his cushioned header back across McLoughlin into the bottom corner to give the Yorkshire side a lifeline with 17 minutes left.

Within 2 minutes Rotherham were well and truly back in the game.  A monstrous punt forward by Shearer headed for the nervy Tom Flanagan and the only thing the centre back could do was use his head to loop the ball over a helpless McLoughlin much to the delight of the away support. In just 120 seconds the game had been completely turned on its head to the visiting side's credit.

That left quarter of an hour for a winner to be found.  5 minutes later Otsemobor and goalscorer Reeves were replaced by George Baldock and Izale McLeod as the Dons went for it with 2 up front.

Pressure from the Dons amounted to nothing time and time again however in the 88th minute, a moment of brilliance from that man Bamford gave the Dons all 3 points.  Gleeson's ball into McLeod bounced off him (completely intentionally of course) and fell to Bamford.  The 20 year old was onto it in a flash and with his so called 'weaker' foot, placed his shot to perfection into the top corner out of reach of Shearer to send Stadium:MK into raptures.  That goal taking Bamford to the top of the goalscoring charts in all 4 divisions in England, you just can't stop him can you?

Bamford's sweet strike was the difference

With that saw Rotherham's hopes dwindle and the game end, a magnificent way to end a special piece of history for MK Dons.  Rotherham fought hard with 10 but were simply undone with a piece of brilliance, where would MK Dons be without him...

Robinson's side face another home tie with Carlisle on Tuesday whereas Rotherham host struggling Tranmere.

MK Dons:

1. David Martin (16. Ian McLoughlin) 2. Jon Otsemobor (18. George Baldock) 3. Dean Lewington 4. Tom Flanagan 6. Shaun Williams 7. Stephen Gleeson 8. Darren Potter 12. Ben Reeves (13. Izale McLeod) 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 21. Jason Banton

Subs not used: 5. Lee Hodson 11. Alan Smith 20. Giorgio Rasulo 22. Samir Carruthers

Goals: Williams 45' (Pen) Reeves 66' Bamford 88'

Booked: Williams, Potter, Bamford

Rotherham:

1. Scott Shearer 2. Richard Brindley 3. Joe Skarz 4. Kari Arnason 8. Lee Frecklington 9. Alex Revell (25. Tom Eaves) 10. Michael O'connor 15. Robert Milsom 18. Ben Pringle (17. Daniel Nardiello) 20. Craig Morgan 22. Kieran Agard

Subs not used: 21. Adam Collin 6. Pablo Mills 14. Mark Bradley 16. Matt Tubbs 23. Michael Tidser

Goals: Frecklington 73' Flanagan (OG) 75'

Booked: Brindley, O'Connor, Frecklington

Off: O'Connor

England cruise past Poland on route to Rio

Phew.  We're finally there.  13 months of challenging international football that saw us jet off to Montengro, Moldova, Ukraine, San Marino and Poland and we've finally booked our place in Rio 2014.  I mean, would a world cup without England feel like any other world cup? Thankfully, we're not about to find out.

Now last nights virtual cruise past the Poles may have suggested that the route to Rio was a fairly simple and straightforward one for undefeated England..  But it was anything but.

It started off that way.  We travelled to lowly Moldova last September under Roy Hodgson for his first full qualifying campaign and came back with a 5-0 win and our first 3 points.  Easy lark this qualifying eh?

From that England returned home for another easy win against Ukraine.. Oh wait.  In the year that 'The Ox' burst onto the England scene, he started another game. But it was Ukraine that went in front through Yevhen Konoplyanka just before half time.  It took an 87th minute penalty from super Frank to spare England's blushes.  But was that just a blip?

In group H, 1 international squad would have their tickets for Rio handed to them after the 10th and final game.  For the runners up, a tense, nervy play-off, with the possibility of penalties and we all know how deadly England can be from 12 yards in a shootout.

A month later we hosted San Marino in possibly the second most pointless game FIFA can give you.  The most pointless being San Marino away!  After 35 minutes of San Marino parking their very long and wide bus in front of the England strike force, the bus broke down allowing Wayne Rooney to slot a penalty home.  Within 180 seconds, England's most deadly of strikers Danny Welbeck added a second, if anything was going to confirm how bad San Marino were, it's Danny Welbeck scoring. To enhance this, just over half an hour later he scored again. Followed by Rooney's second within a minute and then Oxlade-Chamberlain's brilliant first England goal confirmed a 50 rout, all without Gerrard and Lampard.

England then flew to Poland.  The game was postponed a day due to rain.  England got off to a good start, Wazza scoring on the half hour mark to put the 3 Lions 1 up, before a completely non-rare error from Joe Hart let Poland equalise.  England gained a point. 8 points from 4 games in a win, draw, win and then draw format.

Going into 2013 England had 6 games left.  The first of these was a visit to San Marino, ranked 207 in the world.  Looking to avoid the 35 minute wait for a goal we suffered at Wembley.  From the 11th minute on it looked ominous for the hosts.  In the 59 minutes between the 11th and the 70th, England racked up 8 goals including a Jermain Defoe double.

Half way through everything was looking very promising for England. Yet their toughest test yet was about to come.  Into the lions' den in Montenegro.  A loud, hostile and intimidating ground.  Wayne Rooney, looking to banish his memories of his red card in the final Euro 2012 qualifying game, did this by giving England a vital lead on just 6 minutes.  Pressure came in wave and wave from the home side and eventually it told, a 76th minute equaliser from Dejan Damjanovic.  Not the idea result for England but it'll do.

The 4th out of 5 international breaks came and Moldova arrived at Wembley.  England saw them off easily. Rickie Lambert had a 'perfect week' according to him by scoring on  his debut at Wembley to win a friendly against Scotland and therefore was handed a start by Hodgson.  On 27 minutes he scored his first competitive goal for England to put them 2-0 up after Gerrard's opener. Danny Welbeck then highlighted how bad Moldova are by netting a double. 4-0.

England then underwent the delights of the long haul journey and stay in Ukraine.  If England lost, they handed pole position in the race to Brazil to their opponents.  A point or more saw England in a very strong position.  Keen to ensure this, Hodgson picked a side including the world's most defensive winger James Milner. In the most boring game shown to man, the visitors came out with a 0-0 draw.

2 home games remained, it was simple for Hodgson's side, 6 points and England were on their way to the world cup.

The first of these 2 games saw Wembley host Montenegro.  With no Mirko Vučinić, England were the happier of the 2 sides.  King Roy surprised us once again, Andros Townsend thrown in for his full debut with no Walcott or Oxlade-Chamberlain due to injury.  Is Roy a magician? No.  Is Roy a brilliant tactician? Yes! Named man of the match, the Spurs winger had a blinder.  Striking fear into the Montenegro defence as he ran riot.  4 second half goals, including one for Rooney and Sturridge saw the men in white run out 4-1 winners. Ukraine beat Poland.

This meant England had to win.  Ukraine, a point behind, were away at San Marino. No room for error.

Man of the match from 4 days before Townsend got the nod once again.  10 minutes into the must win game he got into it through a sweetly struck left footed curler that hit the bar, this kid is going to be good. Poland were good on the counter and star man Lewandowski misfired on multiple occasions to let England off the hook.  After 40 minutes of relentless pressure  the deadlock was broken by that man Wayne Rooney. By now, Ukraine were already 4-0 up.  Scouser Leighton Baines crossing for scouser Rooney to head home. The second half was much the same and on 86 minutes the tickets, hotel and training ground were booked as Gerrard, a scouser of course, slotted home to seal it.  

So just for a change, England done it the hard way. All hail King Roy as the scousers sealed England's place in South America. Will we win it? I doubt it.  But as long as we have a crack and do our best, I think we'll all be happy.

Leyton Orient 2-1 MK Dons

Dons aren't the Buffers for the Orient Express

MK Dons travelled to East London to face table topping Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.  In the midst of an international weekend, Karl Robinson was unable to pick full back Lee Hodson (Northern Ireland) and Brendan Galloway (England Lions).  Therefore Robinson opted for Daniel Powell, Luke Chadwick and Samir Carruthers all to start in behind top scorer Patrick Bamford.  Jon Otsemobor came in for Hodson and Tom Flanagan was handed his second start of the season after serving his 1 match ban during the midweek game away to Stevenage. Finally, Ian McLoughlin took the place of injured goalkeeper David Martin.  Orient boss Russell Slade was boosted by Kevin Lisbie overcoming his dead leg to partner fellow striker David Mooney in League One's most deadly attack to date.  Former MK Dons target Dean Cox was also in from the off as last week's goalscorer Shaun Batt was dropped to the bench.

3 o'clock came and surprisingly for an MK Dons game, we kicked off on time.  Table topping Orient started the better, pressuring the visitors from the start. If only Lisbie managed to break the Dons stubborn offside trap, he would have been in on numerous occasions however the longer it went on, the more the frustration grew.

No real chances came from the opening stages however Orient were definitely on top, half chances coming and going as Shaun Williams and Tom Flanagan dealt with everything thrown at them.  It took half an hour for the first chance to come and against the run of play it fell to on-loan striker Patrick Bamford.  Played in by Luke Chadwick, Bamford ran at Nathan Clarke who was reluctant to challenge.  Bamford cut in on his trusted left foot and curled his shot past Jamie Jones to put the visitors one up. 

The Dons were playing in their third away game in just 7 days and were keen to avoid a hat trick of defeats.  Through Bamford, they have a man bang in form, his 9th League One goal in just 11 games this season giving the Dons the advantage.

Bamford celebrating his 11th goal in all competitions

The O's were keen to pull the lead back quick and just 7 minutes later came close to doing so.  Neat play down the home side's right hand side saw a cross delivered towards Mooney, he outjumped Dons academy product Tom Flanagan but could only send his header inches wide of Ian McLoughlin's right hand post.

However it was only a matter of time.  It had been coming for the whole half. Darren Potter carelessly giving the ball to in form striker Mooney, he set out for the bi-line and fired a low cross towards strike partner Lisbie.  Lisbie, crowded out by Dons defenders with his back to goal, laid the ball off to winger Moses Odubajo, who placed his left footed shot clinically into the bottom corner to bring the hosts level.

Obubajo's fine finish made it 1-1

A flutter of half chances were to follow once again including a soft effort from the impressive Cox that McLoughlin comfortably gathered.

That took the game through to half time. Russell Slade's side would have been expecting and deserving more. MK were looking like they were going to carry on their poor away form, with just one away victory all season so far.

The second half started slowly. Both teams struggled to get going as neither side could muster any attempt of note.  The visitors were sloppy, however the East London outfit could not capitalise.

It took 20 minutes for some action. Lisbie and Mooney have been hard to contain for pretty much every side in the third tier this season and they were at it again.  For the second time in the afternoon, they were both involved in another goal. Cox headed the ball towards the ex-Charlton striker who flicked the ball to Mooney.  Mooney's ball round the corner dissected the Dons defence perfectly leaving Lisbie one on one to stab the ball past McLoughlin and send the O's into pole position for 3 points.

Lisbie's toe earned Orient all 3 points

Robinson felt it was time for change.  George Baldock and Izale McLeod were introduced for the quiet Samir Carruthers and Luke Chadwick.  A tad of fortune almost saw the Dons back on terms.  Baldock's direct run at Elliot Omozusi saw the ex-Fulham full back poke a leg out towards the ball.  The ball then bounced kindly for McLeod who's sweetly timed volley from the edge of the area thundered against Jamie Jones' crossbar who barely saw it, the visitors couldn't have come much closer.

Minutes later McLeod was at it again, the rejuvenated Flanagan's diagonal ball forward was controlled by the substitute on his chest just a matter of yards out but could only fire his point blank shot into Jones' mid-drift.

McLeod almost earned a point

The Dons introduced Alan Smith in a late rally of direct balls towards the Orient goal but there was to be only one winner.  MK Dons slip to their third consecutive defeat in all competitions as the Orient express moves onto its next port of call.

Leyton Orient

1. Jamie Jones 2. Elliot Omozusi 4. Romain Vincelot 5. Scott Cuthbert 6. Mathieu Baudry 7. Dean Cox 8. Lloyd James 9. Kevin Lisbie (14. Shaun Batt) 10. David Mooney 11. Moses Odubajo 15. Nathan Clarke

Subs not used: 12. Jake Larkins 3. Gary Sawyer 16. Harry Lee 19. Yohann Lasimant 21. Marvin Bartley 22. Jayden Stockley

Goals: Odubajo 42' Lisbie 67'

Booked: Cuthbert

MK Dons:

16. Ian McLoughlin 2. Jon Otsemobor (11. Alan Smith) 3. Dean Lewington 4. Tom Flanagan 6. Shaun Williams 7. Stephen Gleeson 8. Darren Potter 10. Luke Chadwick (13. Izale McLeod) 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 22. Samir Carruthers (18. George Baldock)

Subs not used: 30. Charlie Burns 12. Ben Reeves 20. Giorgio Rasulo 21. Jason Banton

Goals: Bamford 30'

Booked:

League One, 10 games in...

Table Topping Orient Express as Blades Third 'Tear' Woes Continue

They say that after 10 games in a league season, it starts to take shape and the tone has been set.  If that's the case, we're in for an all action, exciting and close League One season.  We welcomed Peterborough United, Bristol City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bradford City, Rotherham United, Gillingham and Port Vale from the Championship and Leauge Two respectively and they've had contrasting starts to their campaigns.

On the rise

Out of the 4 promoted teams, two have carried on their momentum from last term.  Phil Parkinson's Wembley winners with the firepower of Nahki Wells have lifted themselves into 4th in the table.  With just one defeat and an impressive win at home to struggling Sheffield United and the demolishing of Brentford, the Bantoms look set for a good season.  Wells is currently injured, therefore maintaining their goalscoring prowess and keeping him fit once he returns, will clearly be the key to Bradford's season.

Second in the 'Promoted teams table' is Rotherham.  Under the guidance of Steve Evans, in their second season at their new home, they find themselves 6th, with a steady 5 wins, 4 draws and the one defeat to Peterborough. The highlight for the Millers will be the Yorkshire derby win at home to David Weir's Sheffield United, 3-1.

Next come Micky Adam's Port Vale. Vale have had a quiet start to their League One return, 14 point return leaving them 12th.  Last years' top scorer Tom Pope is once again looking good for the Vale Park outfit, already notching 5 times. Vale look set for a comfortable season back in the third tier.

Lastly come Kent side Gillingham, the Gills took a while to get going after a nightmare season in League One the last season they were there, not winning 1 away game and finding themselves relegated at the first attempt. After 8 games, things weren't looking a lot better for Gillingham but back to back wins over Crewe and MK Dons Martin Allen can feel a lot better. 9 points for Allen's side.  It won't be an easy ride for the Gills but avoiding relegation is well within their grasp.

Weathering the storm

After a topsy turvy season last time around and an exciting final day of the championship side for the neutral, Darren Ferguson's Peterborough found themselves back in League One.  Relegated with the most points on record from the Championship (if you haven't heard Barry Fry state this 100 times already) the Posh were backed by many for a first time return.  Unsurprisingly, Peterborough started like a train, 23 goals in their first 7 league and cup games set the tone and 22 goals in their first 10 league games combined with a tightened defence conceding just 8, Peterborough have been hard to beat.  Record signing Britt Assombalonga has been on fire and the Posh sit second, well placed to have a go at staying in the automatic promotion places.

What a nightmare two seasons for Wolves. Relegation from the Premier League followed by a shambolic season in the Championship saw them end up in the third tier for the first time since 1989. Efficient if not lighting up the league, losing just once in a midlands derby with Walsall. Their most impressive win being a 4-0 hammering of Gillingham at home in early September.  Wolves sit level on points and goal difference Posh under new manager Kenny Jackett, just behind Peterborough on goals scored.

In contrast to these two is Bristol City, their dismal season carrying forward into this term.  They find themselves 20th.  Without a win, on 6 points. With 6 draws and 15 goals scored, it is clear what the problem is for Sean O'Driscoll's side.  As soon as they sort the defensive side of things, a charge up the table looks inevitable.

Surprise packages

Without a doubt, the story of the League One so far this season has been table topping Leyton Orient.  Finishing just outside the play-offs last season, not many would have tipped Russell Slade's side to make the best start to a campaign ever by an Orient squad, with 8 wins from their first 8 games, Orient are the only unbeaten side in League One.  A point clear at the summit, time will only tell if Kevin Lisbie, David Mooney and company will be able to maintain their rampant start.

At the other end of the spectrum is Sheffield United.  2 play-off losses in as many seasons saw Danny Wilson's time at Bramall Lane come to an end, to be replaced by first time manager David Weir.  The Blades board may be regretting this.  With just one win coming on the opening day of the season, Sheffield United lie 22nd having crumbled, losing 7 of their 10 games and the lowest scoring team in the league, nothing looks to be going right for the Steel city club.  They will need to improve fast, or the trap door will start to open.

In the play-offs

Preston are the last side I haven't mentioned in the play-off section so far.  Under experienced manager Simon Grayson who already had 2 League One promotions on his CV, Preston look well set for a good season, like Rotherham they have won 5, drew 4 and lost 1. As they undertake their 3rd League One season, Preston have strength in depth across the pitch with lots of experience. They will be looking for at least a play-off finish this season.

In the doldrums

With just one win apiece and 16 points between them, Sheffield United are partnered in the bottom for by Crewe (21st) Stevenage (23rd) and Tranmere (24th).  Crewe have struggled in their second season back in League One, holding the unwanted record of having the worst defence up to this point in the league, shipping 25 in 10.  A 5-0 loss to Swindon, 4-0 to Notts County and 3-0 losses to Crewe and Walsall have shown they need to stop letting in goals. 

Stevenage in conceding 4 to MK Dons and Oldham, also 3 to Preston and Carlisle have had a similar problem.  Lack of goals and letting them in at the other end has taken its toll.  Their third season in League One looks set to be a struggle.

12 months ago, Tranmere were flying.  Top of the table and looking to be running away with it, oh how things change.  A year on they find themselves propping up the same league they were tearing up this time last season.  Without a win at home and conceding almost 3 goals a game, their problem has been at Prenton Park.  The back end of last season has continued as they've slumped to the basement of League One and Ronnie Moore will have to turn this around.

Best of the rest

If it wasn't for administration and turmoil off the field, Coventry would be finding themselves in 7th place.  Coventry had their play-off hopes ended by a 10 point deduction last season.  They started this term with another and set out to wipe that out early.  Within mid September they'd done this, after a start to the season that reflected the off field situation.  Their first 4 games producing 26 goals, the pick of the bunch being a 5-4 win against Bristol City at Sixfields.  This is great for the neutrals but for manager Steven Presely he won't be happy.  Things have calmed down since and the Sky Blues hold 18th after 5 wins and 2 draws. Without their deduction they would sit 7th.

The team that do currently sit 7th however are MK Dons.  The Dons are looking to improve on a disappointing 2012/13 and made a good start. 7 undefeated before a 2 defeats split by an impressive 4-1 win against lowly Stevenage saw the momentum holted.  In Patrick Bamford, Karl Robinson has an in form striker on his hands and it will be mainly on the young head of Bamford to keep the Dons season going. 

Next in the running are Crawley and Walsall.  Walsall finished just outside the top 6 last season and have looked impressive, a win over Wolverhampton being their best result to date.  Replacing the goals of Will Grigg, Febian Brandy and Jamie Peterson was the objective of the summer for the Saddlers and have managed 11 in 10 games.  Conceding 10, they have had a steady start and will be looking to kick on.  Crawley are similar. With more goals scored and conceded, Richie Barker's men sit a point above Walsall in 8th and have had a fairly quiet start.

Lying in 10th are last season's play-off finalists Brentford.  The Bees were tipped to push the top 2 this season but this hasn't happened. Disappointing results like the 4-0 thrashing by Brentford have been a character of the stop-start nature to the opening months of the West London side's season so far.

After Brentford it's Swindon.  Play-off semi finalists last time around, many people weren't sure what to expect from the Robins as they headed into the season managerless.  Under the calming influence of Mark Robins and with the sly signing of Niall Ranger plus 5 signings from Tottenham, Swindon have been steady, recording a 5-0 win at home to Crewe but also losing 4 games along the way.

Carlisle started very poorly.  It took the Cumbrians till mid September to record their first win but following a 4 game unbeaten run under new manager Graham Kavanagh, Carlisle are 13th.  

Lying in 14th and 15th respectively are Colchester and Shrewsbury.  Keen to avoid last seasons relegation scrap, Colchester have been solid winning 2 and drawing 5.  Shrewsbury have gone quietly about their business drawing 6 of their 10 games, these two look set for a quiet mid-table season.

Oldham have employed the youngest manager in the football league in Lee Johnson, son of Yeovil manager Gary.  Like the U's, Oldham don't want another relegation scrap and have lost 6 of their first 10 landing them 17th.  They will need to improve if they are to avoid a repeat of last season.

Last but not least are Notts County.  A quiet season last year had County fans asking for the top 6 this season.  However a dismal start had them hoping just to be out the bottom 4.  It took till late September for a win to come after just 1 point from their opening 7 league games. Form has improved lately at Meadow Lane lifting them to 19th and the Magpies will be looking to edge away from the bottom 4.

What a start

So, after 10 games each in the Skybet League One, I think we're in for a cracker.  Twists and turns right through till May will be in store and I'm certainly looking forward to the next 10!

League One table:

1. Leyton Orient 2. Peterborough United 3. Wolves 4. Bradford 5. Preston 6. Rotherham 7. MK Dons 8. Crawley 9. Walsall 10. Brentford 11. Swindon 12. Port Vale 13. Carlisle 14. Colchester 15. Shrewsbury 16. Gillingham 17. Oldham 18. Coventry 19. Notts County 20. Bristol City 21. Crewe 22. Sheffield United 23. Stevenage 24. Tranmere

Gillingham 3-2 MK Dons

Gills Joy as Dons Defeated

MK Dons traveled to Gillingham who hadn't registered a home win this season.  The Dons traveled to Kent without Antony Kay, Dean Bowditch, Dele Alli and George Baldock in a mounting injury list for Karl Robinson's side.  Gillingham, managed by ex-Dons boss Martin Allen, included ex AFC Wimbledon front man Danny Kedwell alongside former Wimbledon loanee Steven Gregory and former Peterborough players Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale in his starting eleven at the Priestfield.

The games first incident came after just 6 minutes.  Winger Danny Green in his last appearance in an MK Dons shirt tumbled under pressure but was deemed too easily by referee James Linnington who swiftly held his yellow card aloft in Green's direction.

10 minutes in Kedwell was straight into the action, Cody McDonald's twisting run stopped unfairly by a flying Tom Flanagan looking to prove himself in Kay's absence and not going the best way about it.  Kedwell stepped up and calmly slotted past Martin to his delight in front of the Gillingham faithful. 1-0.

Within 2 minutes and things went from bad to a lot worse. Flanagan's sloppy pass cut out as Charlie Lee sent McDonald clean through.  For the second time Flanagan was adjudged to have brought the ex-Coventry and Norwich striker down to the Dons disbelief and Linnington flashed his red card to bring Flanagan's nightmare 13 minutes to an end.  The ex-Gilingham loanee was dismissed on his first league appearance this season.  Kedwell once again stepped up to powerfully fire the ball past Martin to leave the Dons with big problems.

Flanagan dismissed

The Stadium:MK outfit were 2-0 down and a man down.  75 minutes to go and a mountain to climb.

Robinson replaced Samir Carruthers and Lee Hodson with Alan Smith and Izale McLeod as MK went for 3 at the back to throw all they had at Martin Allen's side.

10 minutes of attacking exchanges saw Danny Green standing over a free kick wide out on the Dons right.  His perfect delivery dropped onto top scorer Patrick Bamford's head and he duly converted off the bar to give the visitors a lifeline and get them back into the game as 343 traveling supporters seeked an equaliser.

4 minutes later, on the half hour mark, Bamford was at it again. Shaun Williams accurate long ball forward was beautifully controlled on the 20-Year old's right thigh and slotted through Stuart Nelson's legs for his second and to bring MK Dons level.

Bamford into double figures

In a game of end to end attacks, Gillingham were next to try their luck.  The smallest man on the pick Charlie Lee left in acres of space by the Dons rearguard but Martin was there to tip his point blank header over the crossbar and keep Robinson's side in it.... just.

The final chance of the half saw substitute McLeod put through down the right but the striker couldn't convert as he sent the ball past Nelson's right hand post which saw an exciting first half come to a close at 2-2.

The second half somewhat calmed down and not until the hour mark was there any chance of note.  Clever build up down the right saw a fragile Dons back three vulnerable to any attack from which the Gills profited.  The cross sent over towards summer signing Danny Hollands.  He climbed high and Martin was unable to keep out his powerful header as Hollands scored his first Gillingham goal and the Kent side were back on top.

David Martin spent the last 20 minutes injured.

The Dons have built a reputation under Robinson for their slick passing and the men in blue were about to find out why.  Keepy-ups from Potter that would have looked fitting in South America saw the former Liverpool trainee volley the ball over to McLeod.  McLeod floated the ball over to Bamford but for the second time in 2 games was denied a hat trick by a smart save by Nelson at the far post to push the ball out for a corner.

The Dons continued on their late rally, the impressive McLeod beating defenders before firing his low, left footed shot inches past the post.  That was to be the last chance in a brilliant advert for League One football.

MK Dons return to MK1 empty handed as they suffered their second league defeat of the season meanwhile the determined Gillingham pick up their first back to back wins since April. The visiting support left to wonder what could have been if only they'd kept hold of 11 men for 90 minutes.  Dons travel to Stevenage 

on Tuesday for a second round JPT tie.

Gillingham:

1. Stuart Nelson 3. Joe Martin 5. Callum Davies 7. Chris Whelpdale 9. Danny Kedwell 10. Cody McDonald (11. Myles Weston) 12. Steven Gregory 18. Charlie Lee 19. Danny Hollands 23. Michael Harriman 26. Adam Barrett

Subs not used: 21. George Howard 4. Amine Linganzi 6. Leon Legge 8. Adebayo Akinfenwa 14. Charlie Allen 15. Bradley Dack

Goals: Kedwell 11' (pen) 13' (pen) Hollands 59'

Booked: Martin, Lee

MK Dons:

1. David Martin 3. Dean Lewington 4. Tom Flanagan 5. Lee Hodson (13. Izale McLeod) 6. Shaun Williams 7. Stephen Gleeson 8. Darren Potter 10. Luke Chadwick (17. Daniel Powell) 15. Patrick Bamford 22. Samir Carruthers (11. Alan Smith) 23. Danny Green

Subs not used: 16. Ian McLoughlin 2. Jon Otsemobor 12. Ben Reeves 21. Jason Banton

Goals: Bamford 26' 30'

Booked: Lewington, Williams

Off: Flanagan