Creasey Park Blues for Kettering

After a summer of upheaval at Dunstable Town a poor start did not come as a surprise.  A win at home to fellow strugglers Kettering Town would make it back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this campaign and 4 in a row in all competitions.

Dunstable made a single change from Saturday's win in the FA Cup as Victor Osubu came in for Jamale McKenzie-Lowe on the left hand side.  Remember that name.

Dunstable got off to a perfect start as defender James Kaloczi headed in a corner from the left on just 3 minutes.

A flurry of chances came and went for Kettering who's finishing was lacklustre at best. The Poppies best effort hitting the post from a Brett Solkhon header.

They were punished further on  35 minutes as a tricky, mazy run from Osubu was finished off with a powerful drive through Enol Ordonez in the Kettering goal to double the lead.  Two minutes later a third arrived for the hosts as Luke Pennell headed home after a poor piece of goalkeeping, not the first from Ordonez, who had a poor game for the visitors.

Dunstable went in at 3-0, without really deserving their lead.  Manager Tony Fontenelle wasn't impressed was their first half performance despite the seemingly comfortable 3-0 score line.  "I felt Kettering had better periods in the game than we did, they were dictating play to us and winning the midfield battle, at half time it was about being more organised" was the Dunstable boss' verdict on his sides first half display.

Just 3 minutes into the second half and any small possibility of a mammoth comeback was over as David Keenelyside put the Blues 4-0 ahead with over 40 minutes to play.

The game turned just minutes later as Jevan Brown lunged in on left back Luke Pennell in which looked a very reckless and dangerous tackle right in front of the dugouts, sparking somewhat of a fracas between both sets of players and staff. Brown was awarded just a yellow after the melee, which may have been a touch fortunate for the Kettering midfielder.

From then on a series of strong and late challenges were displayed by both teams in a game that included 5 cautions.  Kettering coach Scott Godwin was banished to the Creasey Park dressing rooms for tripping Dunstable left back Pennell as he tried to retrieve the ball.

Following that the game rather calmed down somewhat however the tempo still remained as both teams looked to score more goals to aid their poor starts to the season.

Dunstable will of course be the happier of the sides but a 4-0 result certainly flatters the Bedfordshire outfit, who still sit 19th in the Southern Premier Division.

Meanwhile it was Osubu who was undoubtedly the man of the moment for Dunstable, a goal and an assist for the winger signed just a month ago. Kettering right back Richard Bryan was time and time again beaten by the pacey wide man, without any sort of reply as he received a deserved and unsurprising yellow card for impeding Osubu in an attempt to stop him one too many times for referee Louis Marks' liking.

On his wingers performance and the strong tackle on Luke Pennell, Fontenelle explained how Dunstable were lacking someone like Osubu earlier on in the season.  "I like players that excite me and I think everyone can see Victor is one of those players that on his day can be the star performer." He added "From Kettering's point of view it's a fair tackle, from my point of view it's a late tackle, was it a red? I've seen them given."

Heading into the weekend, Town travel to Cambridge City looking for a third consecutive win in the league for the first time since the 2013-14 season. Fontenelle previewed his team's trip by saying he is "looking for more of the same against what will be a very well organised side with players of good quality proven at this level and the level above, it won't be an easy game." Finally commenting "we'll look to Victor to give him the ball and let him score from 20 yards again!"

Dunstable have bolstered their striking options for the game against mid table Cambridge, signing Geoff Mitchell, formerly of Hayes and Yeading, Histon and most recently Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Championship.

How will the Dons do?

'And MK Dons are heading for the Championship while Preston North End are heading for the play-offs.'

The 2014/15 season ended in delight for Karl Robinson's side as he watched his team decimate an already-relegated Yeovil side while Preston were left dejected as they went down 1-0 to Colchester before magnificently winning the play-offs with relative ease as they thrashed Swindon 4-0 in the final at Wembley to join the Dons in the 2015/16 Championship.

However from that day forward it was time to plan for a new season in a new league for the Milton Keynes club as they were to embark on their first Championship campaign ever.

Karl Robinson has had a busy summer, ensuring that the Dons' squad will not be back in League One come 2016/17 and maybe even spring a few surprises.

Incomings

Joe Walsh
First through the door at Stadium:MK was Joe Walsh. 23 year old Walsh joined the Dons initially on loan from then-struggling Crawley Town in March 2015 with a view to a permanent move in the summer. Cardiff born Walsh began his career in the youth setup at Swansea, failing to make an appearance for the Swans and switching to Sussex on a free transfer at the start of the 2012/13 season, netting on his debut against Gillingham in the JPT. Centre-back partner Kyle McFadzean then joined the Dons in the summer of 2014 and Walsh was made club captain. Walsh, who can also play left back, then appeared 32 times in 2014/15 before moving to Stadium:MK including a sending off in his final game in a 5-0 home defeat to Doncaster.


Walsh made his move permanent in May following the expiration of his loan, for an undisclosed fee.

Cody Cropper
On the 1st July Dons announced a triple signing, one of which being Cody Cropper. Cropper, who is yet to make his professional debut at the age of 22, arrived on a free transfer from Southampton where he had been for 3 years after joining the Saints from Ipswich.

Dale Jennings
Part two of the 3 was Dale Jennings. Karl Robinson made no secret of the fact he was an admirer of Jennings whilst the winger was still in his teens. As a 17 year old, Jennings put 2 past the Dons in a 4-2 loss to Tranmere at Prenton Park in October 2010.

Jennings went on to score 6 in 32 in the campaign before being snapped up by Bayern Munich's B team in 2011 for around £420,000 after being voted apprentice of the year. However a horrific knee injury hindered his playing time at the 5 times Champions League winners and he only managed 36 appearances in 2 seasons, before being sold to Barnsley for £250,000.

In his Barnsley debut the Liverpudlian was sent off in a 4-0 defeat to newly-relegated Wigan. He was then loaned to the Dons after just 5 appearances. 

The tricky winger played 6 games in Milton Keynes, impressing boss Karl Robinson before moving back to Barnsley for the rest of the 2013/14 and 2014/15 season featuring 51 times and scoring 6 goals.

Upon the expiration of his contract he was released at Barnsley before joining Karl Robinson's side.

Simon Church
Simon Church was without a doubt the most high profile of the 3 signings on July the first. Wales international Church began his career at Reading, with loan spells to Crewe, Yeovil, Wycombe and Leyton Orient between 2007 and 2009, scoring 5 goals in 40 loan appearances in his 5 loan spells. The target man went on to play 104 league games for Reading, starting just 55 of them, scoring on 22 occasions. Following 1 goal in 7 games on loan at Huddersfield he was released from his boyhood club and signed for Charlton where in 2 seasons he went on to score 5 goals in 31 starts.

Church also joined the Dons for free on July 1 on a 2 year deal.

Cristian Benavente
On July 17 was the day Karl Robinson's talk about foreign talent finally came true with a real coup. Signed from Real Madrid Castilla, Cristian Benavente. Midfielder Benavente was promoted to the clubs Castilla side from the youth squad in 2013, making 33 appearances in all competitions and scoring 3 goals, all in the 2014/15 season. He made his Peru debut in April 2013 following a number of u17 and u20 call ups. He currently has 8 international caps and 1 goal, coming against Panama.

Rob Hall
11 days after Benavente, Hall put pen to paper for the Dons on a season-long loan, his third Dons loan spell. Hall made just 2 appearances on loan from West Ham as an 18 year old in 2012. After loan spells with Oxford and Birmingham he joined Bolton where he was not given regular game time. After just 13 starts Hall was farmed out to the Dons once again and was crucial in the Dons promotion chase making 7 appearances and scoring a hat trick in a 6-1 demolition of Leyton Orient.

The pacey winger joins the Dons once again for another crack at the Championship.

Sam Gallagher
The 28th July saw Robinson secure his second loan signing of the window as Sam Gallagher joined from Southampton. The striker has joined the Dons for his maiden loan spell away from Southampton, whom he joined from Plymouth. Gallagher has made 20 appearances for the Saints, 15 from the bench, finding the net on 2 occasions.

Matthew Upson
2 days later and a marquee signing for the Dons. Former England international Matthew Upson. The last man to score a goal for England against the Germans arrived at MK1 on a 1 year deal from Leicester. The former Brighton, West Ham and Arsenal centre back was employed to add much needed experience and cover at Championship level and with over 450 career appearances and 21 England caps Upson could be key in any of Dons success this term.

Sergio Aguza
Last but not least.. for now. Sergio Aguza, Real Madrid Castilla's captain. Aguza broke into Real Madrid's 'B' team in 2013, being handed the captain's armband. In 2 seasons for Castilla the central midfielder featured 46 times, scoring 7 goals.

Outgoings

At the end of the promotion winning campaign of 2015, most of the Dons departures were the expiration of loans. Will Grigg, Dele Alli, Rob Hall, Lewis Baker and Devante Cole all returned to their parent clubs, albeit briefly for Hall. Second-choice 'keeper Ian Mcloughlin was not offered a new contract and winger Danny Green was allowed to join league two Luton on a free transfer later on in the summer.

Transfer business

All that meant Dons had lost their two main assets of last season. Dele Alli has been well and truly integrated into Spurs' first team during pre-season, meanwhile the Dons were unable to afford Will Grigg and thus he moved back to League One in the form of Wigan for just under £1 million. Danny Green didn't feature much after his hamstring injury in early Septermber, whilst Devante Cole didn't bring much extra to the already talented Dons squad. Lewis Baker's creativity will be missed in midfield, however the signings of Aguza and Benavente should go some way to recreating that midfield that controlled so many games last season. Upfront is where the Dons may struggle, Church and Gallagher hardly prolific at Championship level and may not give the Dons the firepower that Afobe, Grigg and Bamford have done in recent times.

Where do Dons need to improve?

Karl Robinson made an excellent signing in keeping goalkeeper David Martin. The shot stopper has now made 263 appearances for the Dons in two spells, keeping 24 clean sheets in total last season.

In front of Martin is the defence. Exactly the same as last year with the addition of Upson, I expect a solid, stubborn, tough to break down back line, guarded by Darren Potter in the holding role.

Next to Potter will be Samir Carruthers, Aguza or Benavente. Depth and hopefully quality. Carruthers dogged attitude combined with the flare of Benavente and Aguza could be a very tidy combination. If the Dons also manage to pull off the signing of Sam Morsy, they will have an extremely strong midfield come the start of the season.

In attack is where the Dons really do need to strengthen. Carl Baker at 32 is unlikely to be able to be an ever present and Daniel Powell is very hit and miss. Ben Reeves needs to find the form of 2013/14 that saw him win 4 awards at the end of season dinner to be effective in the Championship, otherwise creativity will be lacking from the number 10 role. On the left, Jennings, Bowditch and Hall will provide depth and all offer something different. Bowditch should add goals, whereas Hall and Jennings will always be a threat out wide. Karl Robinson should definitely be trying to add another striker, with Gallagher being a certain gamble and Church not prolific. A proven Championship striker should be the aim for the Dons boss.

Staff

Karl Robinson is embarking on his 6th season as Dons boss, after taking over in 2010 from Paul Ince. After 2 unsuccessful, disappointing seasons, Robinson's recruitment and squad overhaul came good as the Dons ended up on 91 points to secure second on the last day of the season. Backed by Richie Barker and now Keith Andrews, the backroom staff are all raring and ready to go to try and guide MK Dons to championship safety in 2015/16.

Many were critics of Robinson, with a good, young and healthy squad for all 4 years prior to promotion, but working with a limited budget and in 3/5 summers not spending a penny, Robinson should definitely be credited for building his own squad with his own philosophy that he would not deviate from.

This year the Dons and Robinson definitely need a plan B and C, something the Dons have been lacking when its not been going their way in recent years, as the Stadium:MK side definitely won't be getting things their own way all season this time round and will have to find a different way of consistently picking up points in a higher division.

Summary

It's certainly not going to be a walk in the park for MK, as without spending a penny to date and without a notable signing upfront to replace Grigg and Afobe, goals may be lacking in 2015/16. Going from a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond is always going to be a tough ask and therefore the Dons must not get too low when things don't go their way, although vice versa also applies. A tough, exciting yet competitive campaign should ensue for the Dons and I think a comfortable lower mid-table finish certainly isn't unrealistic. My prediction? 19th.

Roy Ruins Somerset's T20 Hopes

I made my way down to The Oval on Friday evening knowing that another loss would virtually end any hopes Somerset had of reaching the quarter finals of the Natwest T20 blast.

I was hopeful as I entered the ground, knowing Surrey themselves were only one point and one place above their visitors and like Somerset plenty of work to do to ensure progress in the competition.

As I took my place in the Lock Stand to the right of the pavilion Surrey's innings had just got underway as Gareth Batty won the toss and chose to bat on what looked like a very flat wicket. 

Somerset opened up with their now familiar line up of Jim Allenby and skipper Alfonso Thomas, whereas the hosts started with Jason Roy and 38 year old Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakarra.

Somerset, looking to improve on their poor powerplay performance over the course of the 2015 blast started steadily with the medium pace of Allenby allowing just 7 runs from the first over of the match. This was then backed up by Thomas who allowed 9 to leave the score at 16/0 off of 2 overs.

However it was in the third over that Somerset made what was to be their biggest mistake of the whole game. As Tim Groenewald steamed in from the Vauxhall end of the ground Jason Roy miscued a lofted straight drive that went straight up into the evening sky to where Jamie Overton was perched at long on. The 6'5 pace bowler never looked like taking the catch, jogging to his left, then some more.. and then again, as he tried to get under the ball. Despite getting two hands on it Overton could not hold on, much to the delight of the Surrey crowd and of course Roy.

Roy then never looked back, 10 from Groenwald's first over translated into 57-0 at the end of the powerplay as Somerset's seamers took a hammering due to some lusty blows from Roy and Sangakarra to all corners of a packed Oval.

At this point I moved round to directly behind the wicket opposite the pavilion. Right into Jason Roy's hitting zone. No I don't know why either.

On came the spin of Max Waller, out went the field. Same result. 8 from Waller's first over was the sign of things to come from Surrey. It took till the ninth over for Somerset to claim their first victim as Sangakarra came dancing down the track to a ball from Waller that was never there to be hit. Awaiting was New Zealand international Luke Ronchi who calmly removed the bails to send Sangkarra back to the dressing room, leaving Surrey 84-1 off nine, a start they would definitely have taken.

This was to be Somerset's one and only wicket as in the 10th over Roy brought up his 50 with a well ran two out to the leg side boundary. Minimal celebration from the South African born England international as he was nowhere near done for the day, notching up his first of six maximums shortly after, smashing Jim Allenby over long off towards the dressing rooms.

Replacing Sangakarra was Rory Burns, who didn't take long to settle. Two overs after Roy he also had his first maximum as he crashed a six over midwicket and into one of the many Kia Oval advertising hoardings.

Roy and Burns were really going for it now as 102-1 off 11 became 123-1 from 13. A further nineteen was added in the fourteenth over as Allenby was well and truly taken apart by the two Surrey batsman.

Once again Jamie Overton dropped a catch, this time off the bowling of Allenby as Burns powerfully struck one flat, straight to Overton who fumbled the ball which was met by an even louder roar by the Surrey crowd. Allenby's allotted overs were complete and he had gone for 45 in his four.

The seventeenth over then saw what most of the ground had came to see and especially what myself and Jamie Overton didn't. Jason Roy well and truly making Somerset pay for their sloppy fielding as he dispatched Overton into sightscreen to go to 104 from just 56 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. As soon as the ball left the opener's bat he stood in the middle of the Oval, arms aloft, taking in the rapturous round of applause and offering a bow in return. Was he finished now? Of course not. 

The eighteenth over was superb from Alfonso Thomas as Surrey managed to scramble just 1 single and a hard ran two. The penultimate was bowled by Overton who's day was not made any better as he was hit for a further 16 runs to finish with figures of four overs 0-44.

Thomas then undone all his hard work from the eighteenth over in the last as he was carted over square leg for six by Roy and then with the final ball of the innings bowled a waist-high full toss.. no prizes for guessing the result of that. Another six to finish from Roy, who ended with an unbeaten 122 from just 65 balls accompanied by a well paced 46 from Burns, from just 33 balls.

This took Surrey's final total to 208-1 from their 20 as Max Waller was the pick of the Somerset bowlers, returning 1-26 from three overs.

This left Somerset needing over 10 runs an over and out came Jim Allenby and Johann Myburgh, which has become the norm since Chris Gayle departed to return home. The returning Jade Dernbach opened Surrey's bowling from the pavilion end.

The innings could not have started worse for the visitors as Myburgh punched a straight drive to Sam Curran at mid off. Curran fumbled and Myburgh set off for a single. Allenby did not move at the non-striker's end, clearly sticking to the age old adage of 'never run on a misfield' and Myburgh could not make his ground in time, running himself out without troubling the scorers.

Peter Trego then strolled out at 0-1 and timed his first ball to perfection as he guided a Dernbach delivery to a vacant fine leg for four. Somerset 8-1 at the end of the first. Dernbach's second over saw Surrey's second wicket. Backing away to make room, Allenby attempted to loft one over extra cover and didn't quite get hold of it as Zafar Ansari palmed the ball up and caught it on the rebound in what was a brilliant piece of fielding, but he was to go outdo that later on.

Allenby was gone for 2 with the score at 18-2. Somerset already needing 11 an over by this point and looking in trouble.

A minor recovery then ensued as the powerful Trego was joined by James Hildreth but this was to only last two overs as Trego once again tried to flick one to fine leg, this time off the bowling of Sam Curran. Trego miscued and picked out the awaiting Azhar Mahmood who was never going to drop it,
moving slightly to his left. Trego couldn't believe it, knowing a foot either way and he'd have another boundary to his name. However he too had to go, for 26.

Next in was Tom Cooper. He and Hildreth managed to make it to the end of the powerplay, another disappointing one for Somerset. 43-3 from six.

Hildreth and Cooper then set about repairing the damage. Hildreth as usual was going at a steady pace of just over a run a ball with some classy strokes, matched by some powerful blows by Cooper.

In the tenth over though it was Ansari again who took a brilliant catch to break the partnership. Cooper aimed to slog sweep Batty over cow corner but could only top edge it as Ansari sprinted 35 to 40 yards in from the midwicket boundary. It looked certain to drop a number of yards short of Ansari but he was never going to give up. Sliding on his knees and outstretching his left arm, the ball dropped perfectly into his hand. Disbelief was all around as Cooper could not believe what he'd just seen, neither could any of the Surrey fielders. It was like a scene from a football ground as they came running over and knee sliding towards Ansari who sat on the turf with his arms in the air, making the most of a truly superb catch.

Batty himself was to finish with economical figures of 1-22 from four overs, keeping Somerset's batsman under wraps throughout his spell.

Cooper was gone for 29 which brought Luke Ronchi to the crease and I felt a whiff of last chance saloon as the kiwi was Somerset's last recognised batsman.

The new man had clearly noticed the required run rate was now above 12 an over as he took no time in lofting the ball over long on towards us for a huge six, 15 rows back and around 10 seats to my right.

Less than two overs later he was at it again, smashing a pull shot even further to the square leg boundary and the required rate was slowly starting to drop.

Those two lusty blows were all that Ronchi could muster in his last Somerset game as he hauled out to long off, rather summing up Somerset's innings, day and competition as he was gone for a short but sweet 21 from 13 balls and 17 year old Sam Curran had his second wicket of the evening. He was to finish with 2-37 from three overs.

Meanwhile Hildreth was still at the crease, now joined by Lewis Gregory. The Milton Keynes born batsman made his way to 50 with little if any celebration. Not long later he also hauled out, this time to Jason Roy at cow corner who just wasn't going to be kept out the game.

That was the final nail in the coffin for Somerset as the crowd became more interested in keeping their beer snakes away from eagle-eyed stewards and Surrey's boundary riders were rather pre-occupied with trying to start Mexican waves in the crowd.

It was left to Lewis Gregory to have the final say for Somerset, making 27 from 15 with 2 fours and 1 six until he departed after being trapped LBW by Tom Curran.

That was it in the end and Surrey had won by 38 runs. Somerset had lost four games this season by three runs or less but were never even close to Surrey's total after being comprehensively outplayed in all three areas of the game. The visitors will be left to rue their dropped catches, poor batting and undisciplined bowling.

Nothing was to stop Roy and co. however and Surrey's hunt for a top four finish continues while Somerset are left to battle it out in the County Championship and Royal London One-Day cup.

The New Face at the DW

Will Grigg has today signed for relegated Wigan Athletic but will he be a success?


When Will Grigg arrived in Milton Keynes on a season-long loan from newly promoted Brentford, the midlands-born striker was the second of three young, hungry strikers Karl Robinson was to employ for the 2014/15 season after Tom Hitchcock was acquired on a free transfer from QPR.  A week later Benik Afobe joined from Premier League Arsenal and the Dons front line that was to score a record 101 league goals, was complete.

The Northern Ireland international was to make an instant impact at Stadium:MK, netting an equaliser in the Dons season opener as we came from 2-0 down to triumph 4-2, however it didn't take long for Grigg to truly endear himself to the Dons faithful as the frontman scored the first two goals in the unforgettable 4-0 annihilation of Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, famously using his chest to caress the ball past a helpless David De Gea. 

Playing second fiddle to the prolific Afobe for the first half of the season, Grigg was made to accept he wouldn't be given a continuous run of starts as Karl Robinson's implemented his controversial yet effective rotation policy. Afobe grabbed himself 19 goals prior to Wolves deciding to splash the cash to lure the England u21 international to Molyneux in mid January.  The departure of Afobe was followed up by Tom Hitchcock's loan move to fellow League One club Fleetwood Town and left the former Walsall forward as the lone striker at Stadium:MK and oh how he delivered.

A blistering second half of the season containing a crucial brace away at Swindon left Grigg with 20 league goals from 43 games taking his total tally for the season to 22, only the second ever player to reach the milestone of 20 league goals in a Dons jersey, finished off with a header against Yeovil in a 5-1 demolition resulting in the Dons automatic promotion to the Championship for the first time.


Deemed surplus to requirements once he returned to parent club Brentford, the Dons amongst a host of other championship clubs were sniffing around for the forward, yet it was relegated Wigan Athletic who took the plunge and met Brentford's hefty asking price in the region of £1 million, but will this be an outlay worth making for the Lancashire club?

It wasn’t  just the goals he netted that made Grigg a fans favourite in Milton Keynes despite not even being a Dons player, the manner in which the forward played added to his proven quality to ensure a big impact on the Dons squad and I envisage the same impact will be made at the DW.


Without having much strength due to being just 5'11 Grigg is a very clever player, constantly using his nous and trickery to evade defenders often means he finds himself in acres of space.  A classy, natural goal scorer, Grigg is a poacher, frequently in the right place at the right time to finish off the hard work done by those supporting him. Effective yet unspectacular the forward will get goals wherever he plays for sure.

Grigg's work rate is also exceptional, never giving up on chasing a lost cause, combining an element of comedy in his celebrations with a dance dubbed ‘the Griggle' by Dons fans, the striker's personality rubs off on supporters and team mates alike and will not only add quality to the squad but also lighten up the dressing room and the terraces at the DW stadium.

Grigg is undoubtedly a brilliant signing at League One level with proven experience and quality. The only question will be, can Wigan get enough support up to him to the poacher to get the goals to fire Wigan back to the second tier? Only time will tell.


Goodbye and good luck Will, thanks for everything..

Blues on the brink

Dunstable Town are on the brink of second successive promotion this Saturday.

Following last season's unbeaten league campaign that yielded 143 points and a goal difference of 110, Darren Croft's side went into the Calor League Division One Central.

The Town,who boast the likes of Kerry Dixon and George Best in their ranks in times gone by, kept talisman Lee Roache following last season's success and the former Barnet striker has scored 22 league goals this season. Backed up by winger Chris Marsh who has chipped in with 14 league goals and the likes of Nathan Frater and former Luton player Adam Watkins, the Blues find themselves just one win away from a double promotion.

This win however, must come on the final day of the season tomorrow, at home to 10th placed Uxbridge.  With Kettering Town, rugby Town and Daventry Town hot on their heels for the one and only automatic promotion spot, the Creasey Park side have no room for error come 3pm.

Should the Blues be promoted,they will find themselves in the Calor League Premier amongst the likes of fellow Bedfordshire sides Arlesey Town and Biggleswade Town.

MK Dons player of the season 13/14

So here we are again, time to vote for your MK Dons player of the season.  It's been a season similar to last year for Karl Robinson's men with a long injury list, inconsistency and the usual ups and downs that any team goes through, but through this, there have been some shining lights in the Dons camp this year, here are my top 5-

5. Dean Lewington

Dons' skipper and long time servant Dean Lewington has beenalmost ever present this campaign.  After an early injury suffered in the opening day draw with Shrewsbury, left-back Lewington has never looked back barely missing a game since.  Lewie is a bit like your Grandad, not as quick as he once was, always there when you need him and has a very good day every now and again.  Another consistent year for Lewie, solid and mostly ever-present patrolling up and down the touch line and screaming at another unsuspecting linesman.  With highs such as his last minute winner at Stevenage and his upcoming 500th game (providing he doesn't miss another game) at home to Leyton Orient, a player of the year gong would be a perfect way to cap off the red haired full-back's 10th season as an MK Dons player, his 500th game and 30th birthday.

4. Patrick Bamford

Baby-faced Bamford may have only blessed us with his presence for half a season this term, but what a half a season it was.  Full of goals, passionate celebrations and the odd piece of eye candy supporting him at games. Personally, I never saw what was to come when it was announced the Nottingham-born striker was resigning for his 3rd loan at Stadium:MK but it was definitely a welcomed surprise.  17 goals in 30 appearances for the Dons and his first England u21 call-up left a host of Championship clubs fighting for his signature come January and it was Steve McClaren's Derby that won the race as Bamford inevitably took the Championship in his stride. Definitely a contender and one can only wonder where the Dons would be if we could have retained the 20 year old.

3. Stephen Gleeson

Stephen Gleeson- the man that only scores wonder-strikes.  Once again, the fiery Irishman has been a shining light in the heart of the Milton Keynes' midfield.  Determined to play as many games as possible after his broken foot last season a series of niggling short team injuries have kept the 25-year old out for various short periods across the year.  Gleeson has of course added 10 yellow cards to his 2 long range strikes against Port Vale and Crawley.  With his undoubted quality Gleeson is sure to want to try himself in the Championship before too long but whether it will be with the Dons or not is yet to be known.  Another season where the former Wolves' man has shown his class has definitely left him in the mix for the award later this month.

2. David Martin

 The son of former West Ham and England defender Alvin Martin, David along with skipper Lewington are the only 2 players left in the Dons ranks from the move north from South London.  For the second season running goalkeeper Martin has suffered with his fair share of injuries during October but has been unmovable from between the sticks since.  Putting in a number of man of the match performances already this season, the Dons number one has been in fine form and kept Karl Robinson's side in games on numerous occasions, often being the base for the men from MK1 to go and pick up valuable points in their quest for the play-offs. Despite his couple of costly mistakes at Bradford and Swindon, a usually calming and reassuring persona at the back has been a key to the Dons success this season.

1.Ben Reeves

Dons current top goalscorer and my personal choice for the award has to be Ben Reeves. In his first permanent move from boyhood club Southampton, Karl Robinson's first signing of the 2013 Summer took time to settle in Buckinghamshire, due to the fact he was used to playing slightly deeper than his 'number 10' role assigned by manager Robinson.  But after a run of 6 goals in 10 games over December and January any Dons fan will find it hard to question Robinson's persistence in Reeves.  The Summer signing has even managed to force out Premier League winner Luke Chadwick who was sent out on loan to Cambridge.  With his willingness to work non-stop for 90 minutes on a Saturday and his talent he has shown such as an impressive 30 yard strike in the 3-2 win at Stevenage, Reeves has to be my pick for MK Dons player of the year 2013/14 and his ankle injury suffered last month will not be enough to ruin what has been a brilliant first season in an MK Dons shirt.

Barker Hired

Richie Barker has today been appointed as Karl Robinson's assistant at MK Dons.

Dons boss of almost 4 seasons, Robinson is now onto his fourth number 2 after the unsuccessful appointment of Mick Harford, that lasted just one season, and Gary Waddock.

2 weeks ago tomorrow (Saturday) former Wycombe, Aldershot and QPR boss Waddock left his post as Robinson's right-hand man to take over at league 2 promotion chasers Oxford United.

Barker, fresh from his Pompey firing earlier in the week, was quick to secure his place back in football, taking a short term deal after spells in charge of Bury and Crawley preceded his 20-game Pompey reign.

Providing all goes well, one can assume that the 38 year old will take the role full time as Karl Robinson seeks for a long-term, successful replacement to Waddock.

Barker will be in the dugout for MK Dons' visit of league leaders Wolves on Saturday.

Dons duo out for Wolves

Karl Robinson will be without Izale McLeod and Stephen Gleeson at his disposal on Saturday afternoon when Wolves come to town.

Striker, McLeod, is the Dons all time leading goalscorer in his second spell with the club after rejoining last January. The Birmingham-born striker has chipped in with 7 goals this season and will be out for around  2 weeks with a calf problem.

Ex-Wolves midfielder Gleeson was due to return from a 2 match ban for 10 yellow cards.  He joined Stadium:MK side on loan in 2009 before making the move permanent that summer.  He has since gone on to be one of Karl Robinson's most valuable players and is the Dons vice-captain.  He will also be out for around a fortnight.

They join defender Lee Hodson and midfielders Darren Potter and loanee Larnell Cole on the injury list.

Finally, young defender Harry Hickford has joined Skrill South side Chelmsford City on loan till the end of the season.

Flanagan Farmed out to Boro

MK Dons have today agreed to loan out 22 year old defender Tom Flanagan.

 Flanagan, who came through the youth system at the Dons alongside the likes of Sam Baldock and Daniel Powell, will go straight into the Graham Westley's squad for the trip to Coventry tonight.

Branded a potential captain by some, the centre-back broke onto the scene in the 2011-12 season, making 28 appearances and scoring 3 goals as Karl Robinson's side finished 5th, losing out to Huddersfield in the play-offs.

Following that, the form of the more experienced Gary MacKenzie, Mathias Doumbe, Shaun Williams and Antony Kay meant first time opportunities would be rare for Flanagan so the Dons loaned him out to Gillingham and then Barnet in 2012/13.  He made 0 first team appearances for the Stadium:MK side last term.

On his return at the start of this season the academy graduate once again found it tough nailing down a place until Antony Kay's 10 week hip injury.  Flanagan made his first appearance of the season at former club Gillingham and gave away 2 penalties and received a red card all within the first 9 minutes.  He went on to play 2 more games, scoring one own goal before Dons boss Robinson brought in Jordan Spence from West Ham and Flanagan hasn't seen any first team action since.

After just signing a new 1-year contract, Flanagan will be keen to finish of this season well at relegation threatened Stevenage, gaining some valuable match experience and taking it into the 2014-15 campaign.

Harry Wright. (@harrymkdons04)

Is Ryan Hall the man to stop the Dons rot?

The Dons have won just 5 of their last 16 games in all competitions, without scoring in 324 minutes of football.  The problem is there for all to see but is Ryan Hall the answer to Karl Robinson's problems? I'm not too sure.

Firstly, the signing of the ex-Leeds and Southend winger leaves the Dons with 7, yes 7 players who can play on the wings. (Bowditch, Reeves, Alli, Powell, Baldock, Carruthers and Hall). Okay, they're not all out and out wingers but the point still stands.  Karl has been moaning that he's short on strikers but he now has 7 wingers and 2 strikers in the squad.  Now if he is trying to sign another one fair enough but he needs to get on with it.

However, this lad clearly has promise.  Coming through the non-league pyramid and finding himself in league two can be slightly daunting.  However 25 assists and 14 goals says to me as a winger, he's got pretty much everything we could ask for right? Then again, for the assists to come, there has to be someone to stick the ball in the net, which seems to be the problem at the moment.

My personal opinion and has been for some time is that George Baldock deserves more game time.  Whenever I see him on the pitch, things happen.  Even from right-back away at Wigan, that extra bit of pace and passion being a local lad has seen him do things that I haven't seen from the likes of Carruthers which makes me think that all this does for George is push him even further down the pecking order and eventually, we'll lose what I believe to be one of our biggest assets, silly move Robbo.

He also seems to have an attitude problem, I seem to recall during his failed time at Leeds, he tweeted something along the lines of 'if you're not getting played, drop the L.'  Now if he's going to have the same attitude as the last number 21 we had, I'm not too keen on him either.

But then again, it's a free deal and it's only for a few months, so then Mr.Robinson, I leave it to you, another striker and making sure this lad stays happy and produces quality is all I ask, is that too much to ask? Only time will tell...

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:

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.