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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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