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: