MK Dons 2-3 Bradford

Sloppy Stadium:MK performance punished by Brutal Bradford

On a day of refereeing controversy and bad decisions, referee Gavin Ward was in the thick of it in a goalfest at Stadium:MK.

Bradford traveled South having not won since October the 5th and were keen to take advantage of the home side's inconsistency this season.  Karl Robinson's side had't won 2 league games in a row all season.  Something was going to give.  The last time these 2 sides met in the league the Dons were crowned League Two champions but was it to be all smiles for the Milton Keynes outfit again?

The big team news for the Dons was that Dele Alli returned for the first time since September the 28th.  Bradford's team consisted of Northern Ireland international defender Rory McArdle, pacey winger Kyel Reid and successful striker pairing James Hanson and the deadly Nahki Wells that famously fired the Bantams to Wembley twice last season. 

The returning Alli was showing almost 10,000 fans why he is an England youth player as within the first 5 minutes he was involved twice, laying on chances for Izale McLeod and then winning a free kick.  Irishman Shaun Williams stepped up and his well placed free kick struck Jon McLaughlin's crossbar, an early warning for the visiting side.

Patrick Bamford, fresh off his England u21 debut, was keen to stop his goal scoring drought that hasn't seen him hit the net since the 19th of October and he was handed his first chance on 13 minutes as his header from Williams' corner flew just past the post.

All the early pressure was from the home side, however it was to be Bradford to go ahead.  A debatable free kick handed to the Yorkshire side by referee Ward as Lewington seemed to get the ball.  The Dons, not switched on from the free kick, allowed Wells in behind them and the Bermudan's glancing half volley landed out of Ian McLoughlin's grasp and in the bottom corner.  Wells was showing again he only needs one chance to cause damage.

Against the run of play the hosts were left shocked and frustrated. That settled the game down and an exchange of half chances for Daniel Powell, Reid and Bamford.

However the men from MK1 kept going and after 35 minutes they had what they deserved, ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Darren Potter's inch perfect ball took the Bradford defence completely out the game and at the feet of Bamford.  The on-loan forward wasn't be denied for the 5th game in a row as he slid the ball underneath McLaughlin to level it up. 1 a piece at Stadium:MK as the two of the best strikers in the league notched.  The game looked finely poised as we headed towards half time.

Bamford leveled it

The Dons went in search for the lead and it was Bamford who went close again, skimming the crossbar.  Bradford weren't going to sit back and let the home side come onto them as referee Ward was involved again. Kyel Reid took the ball down the Bradford left.  Hodson was adamant the ball had crossed the line for a Dons throw in but the flag, nor whistle, never came. Reid charged for the box and his wayward cross floated towards the far corner, McLoughlin misjudged the flight and could only watch as Reid's 'cross' sailed over his head and in.  The Dons were stunned for the second time.  Fuming for the second time. 

There was barely any time to restart and that was half time in Milton Keynes. 2-1 Bradford.

Robinson's men came out looking to turn the undeserved deficit around as quick as possible as McLeod and Bamford's link up looked like it was going to cause problems.  At the other end 6 ft 4 inch James Hanson was using his height well to climb above the Dons defence and head towards goal yet none of his attempts found the target.

With an hour gone Robinson threw his first roll of the dice as Ben Reeves was introduced in place of McLeod. Reeves was immediately involved, constantly looking to get on the ball. His fierce right footed shot whistled past the right hand post. 

As the game entered its last 20 minutes Ward decided he'd make it a hat-trick of involvements.  Man of the match Alli surged into the box and was blatantly tripped by goalscorer Wells.  Referee Ward was within 10 yards and his assistant 15 yet it had to be left to the fourth official to tell Ward to award the Dons a spot kick. Regular penalty taker Williams netted his 5th penalty of the season to level for a second time.

Williams celebrating his 7th of the season

Just over a quarter of an hour for a winner..

The Dons pressured but it was to be Bradford who went ahead again.  A mis-placed pass ended up being played through to James Meredith who squared across the box for Kennedy to finish into an empty net, a third for Bradford that was to finally kill the home side off for just their second home defeat of the season.

Bradford snatched it late

Robinson felt the home side deserved more but mistakes and lack of finishing cost them, Phil Parkinson and his side move back into the top 6 with their first win in 7 and continue their strong start to the season.

MK Dons:

16. Ian McLoughlin 3. Dean Lewington 5. Lee Hodson 6. Shaun Williams 7. Stephen Gleeson 8. Darren Potter 13. Izale McLeod (12. Ben Reeves) 14. Dele Alli 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 23. Jordan Spence
Subs not used: 50. Charlie Burns 4. Tom Flanagan 11. Alan Smith 18. George Baldock 21. Jason Banton 22. Samir Carruthers
Goals: Bamford 36' Williams 72' (pen)
Booked: Spence, Alli

Bradford: 

1. Jon McLaughlin 2. Stephen Darby 3. James Meredith 7. Kyel Reid (14. Mark Yeates) 8. Jason Kennedy 9. James Hanson 11. Garry Thompson (24. Nathan Doyle) 18. Gary Jones 21. Nahki Wells 22. Matthew Bates 23. Rory McArdle
Suns not used: 12. Connor Ripley 15. Matt Taylor Alan Connell 20. Raffaele De Vita 27. Oliver McBurnie
Goals: Wells 21' Reid 43' Kennedy 85'
Booked: Meredith, Thompson

MK Dons 4-1 Halifax

Dons through in Cup

So here we are again.  It was FA Cup first round weekend in Milton Keynes and the Dons hosted Conference premier side FC Halifax Town, a team even younger than us!

The last two non-league outfits to arrive at Stadium:MK had both shipped 6 so therefore Halifax were keen to avoid a hat-trick of 6's in the competition for Dons.  The hosts themselves were keen to avoid a repeat of last year's 0-0 draw to a non-league side as they drew to Southern Premier side Cambridge City.

Robinson fielded a strong side for this one, as the visitors set up to try and attack the League One side.

After the obligatory silence for those that lost their lives during the two world wars, these two commenced in a very different battle, in front of just 4049 supporters. 500 travelling from Yorkshire to try and see Halifax cause a shock.

Respect for fallen soldiers at Stadium:MK

It was centre back Shaun Williams that led the early MK Dons charge with a rasping drive that was diverted wide for the first Dons corner, which proved fruitless. The Irishman was in the action again as his ball found top scorer Bamford who fired wide.

Halifax constantly looked to counter the Dons threat and after a clearance bypassed the Dons defence 'keeper Ian McLoughlin raced off his line to smother at the feet of Ryan Moulson.

However it was the visiting side who began to frustrate the men from MK1.  The Skrill Premier side more than holding their own at the home of football in Milton Keynes.

Izale McLeod had been given a rare start by boss Robinson, looking to show he deserved to be included more often in the starting xi and on 39 minutes boy oh boy did he. Given acres of space 25 yards from goal, the Dons all time top goalscorer turned and released a curling, dipping shot that goalkeeper Matt Glennon couldn't get anywhere near. McLeod had broke the Shaymen's stubborn resistance in some style.

Some may have been forgiven for thinking that the favourites were about to run away with this one but Halifax were not keen on the idea.  They themselves had 2 fantastic opportunities before the break as Dan Gardener forced a save from McLoughlin and Paul Marshall's drive was sent wide via a Dons player for a corner.

However the half time whistle was only just round the corner and at half time the teams went in at 1-0 MK.

The visitors would have been galvanised by their efforts just before the break but not too long after it the Dons were about to extend their lead.  Daniel Powell's surge into the box stopped unfairly and clumsily by Marc Roberts.  Regular penalty taker Shaun Williams stepped up and sent Glennon the wrong way as he converted his fifth spot kick of the season. 

Williams doubled the lead

But the Dons were far from done yet.  The returning Gleeson was next to go close with a speculative volley that was acrobatically turned over by Glennon.

FC Halifax Town then had another chance of their own and it was down to skipper Lewington to deny Matty Pearson's shot on goal with a brilliant last ditch tackle.

On 69 minutes however, Robinson's side were out of sight.  Substitute George Baldock carried the ball down the wing and sent a cross over towards the six yard area, the defence failed to clear and McLeod was never going to miss from close range to add his second. 

McLeod firing home his second

With that, Gleeson and McLeod were replaced by youngsters Brendan Galloway and Giorgio Rasulo as Robinson continued with his youth policy in the FA Cup.

Just 8 minutes later, Halifax fans finally had something to shout about.  Lee Gregory found himself through on goal as Dons defenders could only watch and hope.  Gregory fired his low shot across McLoughlin and into the far corner for a goal that was well deserved for the Shaymen.

They pushed and pushed to try and set up a nervy finale but it wasn't to be as stoppage time arrived and 17 year old Galloway pounced on a mistake, calmly rounded the keeper and slotted home for his first ever senior goal in front of the Cowshed.

Special moment for Galloway

That was the close of proceedings at Stadium:MK and the hosts had safely earned themselves a 4-1 win and a place in round two, where they will play another non-league side in Dover Athletic.

MK Dons:

16. Ian McLoughlin 3. Dean Lewington 5. Lee Hodson 6. Shaun Williams 7. Stephen Gleeson (19. Brendan Galloway) 8. Darren Potter 13. Izale McLeod (20. Giorgio Rasulo) 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 21. Jason Banton (18. George Baldock) 23. Jordan Spence

Subs not used: 50. Charlie Burns 2. Jon Otsemobor 4. Tom Flanagan 11. Alan Smith 

Goals: McLeod 39' 70' Williams 53' (pen) Galloway 90'

Booked:

FC Halifax Town:

1. Matt Glennon 2. Ryan Toulson (Jon Worthington) 3. Scott McManus 5. Matty Pearson 6. Danny Lowe 10. Danny Gardener (37. Archie Love) 11. Lee Gregory 15. Marc Roberts 18. Paul Marshall 20. Lois Maynard (14. Josh Wilson) 22. Simon Ainge

Subs not used: 12. Phil Senior 17. John McReady 19. Kevin Holsgrove 23. Dale Johnson

Goals: Gregory 78'

Booked: Worthington, Roberts

MK Dons 1-0 Walsall

Williams knocks Walsall off their Saddle

Since their relocation from South London in 2004 the MK Dons have found it tough going against the midlands' side, winning just 5 times from 16 meetings.  All of these clashes coming in the third tier.

Last season the Saddlers did the double over the Dons with a 1-0 win at the Bescott stadium last September and an impressive 4-2 Boxing day win at Stadium:MK.  The hosts were not keen to let Walsall carry on their strong run on Armed Forced Day at Stadium:MK especially after a disappointing October for Robinson's side.

The only changes from the 3-2 defeat at Tranmere on Saturday saw Lee Hodson return at right back and David Martin return in goal looking to banish his troublesome calf problem.  Walsall came to Milton Keynes on the back of a 2-0 home win against Stevenage and included Craig Westcarr, James Baxendale and ex-Sheffield Wednesday 'keeper Richard O'Donnell in their starting line-up.

On-loan striker Patrick Bamford started the game having not scored in 2, his longest run without a goal all season and started off brightly in the first quarter of an hour but failing to find the target.  Winger Daniel Powell was also lively, teasing the Walsall defence but also failing to find the net or produce the perfect final ball for one of his team mates to convert. 

The best chance of the early exchanges however did involve Powell as his run and cross find Luke Chadwick.  The experienced midfielder couldn't adjust his feet quick enough and the chance went begging.

Then came the best chance of the half.  A quick breakaway saw the ball fed to Sam Mantom, who was given masses of space by the Dons back line but the midfielder was stopped by the legs of the returning Martin.  

As both sides tried to get a hold in the game, Northern Ireland international Lee Hodson fired a deep cross in towards Bamford who bravely got to the ball before O'Donnell however his looping header could only find the roof of the net.

The last 20 minutes of the half was full of pressure from the Dons but they could not fashion a chance against a stubborn Walsall side who continued to look dangerous on the counter with the pace of Westcarr.  The two teams battled through to half time at Stadium:MK at 0-0.

8 minutes into the second half Izale Mcleod was introduced in place of Chadwick who was carrying a foot injury.

Fellow strike partner Bamford was then fouled on the edge of the box which gave set piece specialist Shaun Williams a chance of goal 20 yards out.  He curled his free kick around the wall but also around the post.  A couple of yards wide.

But within quarter of an hour later that proved to just have been a sighter for the 27 year old.  Bamford was fouled once again, questionably, 30 yards from goal.  This time the foul was on Williams' favoured right side.  He stepped up and superbly placed his effort over the wall and in off O'Donnell's left hand post in front of the Cowshed to put the home side a goal to the good with 25 minutes to go.

Williams won it for MK Dons

The men form MK1 were keen to double their lead.  Jordan Spence sent a diagonal ball forward towards substitute McLeod who appeared to be tripped inside the box.  Referee Dean Whitestone deemed this wasn't worthy of a spot kick so things stayed at they were. 

With quarter of an hour to go saw two more forced changes for Robinson. Firstly Ben Reeves was forced off with a tight calf to be replaced by Alan Smith.  Just 2 minutes later David Martin's calf succumbed for the 3rd game in as many weeks and ex-Walsall loanee Ian McLoughlin was left with 13 minutes to keep the visitors at bay.

From then on in it was all Walsall.  They pressured non-stop to try and create that chance to earn them a point to head back north with.  Baxendale tried his luck from range with a cheeky chip and Dean Smith's side forced numerous corners.  Unfortunately for Walsall it wasn't to be and the Dons were back to winning ways with a well fought 1-0 win as they go into the FA cup weekend.

MK Dons:

1. David Martin (16. Ian McLoughlin) 3. Dean Lewington 5. Lee Hodson 6. Shaun Williams 8. Darren Potter 10. Luke Chadwick (13. Izale McLeod) 12. Ben Reeves (11. Alan Smith) 15. Patrick Bamford 17. Daniel Powell 21. Jason Banton 23. Jordan Spence

Subs not used: 2. Jon Otsemobor 4. Tom Flanagan 18. George Baldock 22. Samir Carruthers

Goals: Williams 65'

Booked: Bamford

Walsall:

1. Richard O'Donnell 3. Andy Taylor 4. Andy Butler 6. Nicky Featherstone (25. Romaine Sawyers) 7. Adam Chambers 8. Sam Mantom 10. Craig Westcarr 11. Ashley Hemmings (9. Milan Lalkovic) 12. Paul Downing 15. James Chambers 16. James Baxendale (24. Troy Hewitt)

Subs not used: 13. Shane Lewis 2. Ben Purkiss 14. Malvind Benning 27. Julian Gray

Goals:

Booked: