MK Dons 4-1 Stevenage

Dominant Dons Down Sorry Stevenage

Both teams went into this one looking for bounce back from disappointing results last weekend.  MK Dons were defeated by nine-man Peterborough and Stevenage were uninspiring in a gutless defeat to Carlisle, much to the dismay of manager Graham Westley.  Karl Robinson made 2 changes to his starting line-up with academy graduate Dele Alli and Northern Ireland international Lee Hodson coming in for Jon Otsemobor and the crocked Samir Carruthers.  Westley included James Dunne and ex-Arsenal academy man Luke Freeman in his XI at Stadium:MK, a ground at which Stevenage had once won and once lost in 2 league visits.

It was the visitors that started the brighter on a sunny day in MK1 as Michael Doughty brought down a long ball from the back but fired his volley into the 500 travelling supporters without troubling David Martin. The Dons were looking to get their rhythm going and it wasn't long before their first opening, Shaun Williams picked out Patrick Bamford with a delightfully dinked cross but the on-loan striker could only head the ball wide of Chris Day's goal.

Just 12 minutes in saw the first goal.  Shaun Williams lined up a free kick from the Dons right and once again took aim for Bamford.  For the second time in the game he found him and Bamford guided his header onto the post and in to continue his record of scoring in every home game this season. 

Robinson had asked his men to be more ruthless after watching his side squander numerous opportunities and ten minutes later he was to watch his team become deadly. Stephen Gleeson's unselfish drive without the ball caused chaos in the Boro' back line as Lewington ran down the left.  His pass found Gleeson who's back heel was laid into the path of Chadwick, his touch took him to the dead ball line and a perfect cutback found Bamford who was never going to miss from 6 yards and swept the Dons 2-0 up with his 13th MK Dons goal in a beautiful passing move.  Stevenage had a lot of work to do. 

Bamford celebrating his second

60 seconds later and the uphill task turned into a mountain. Sloppy passing lead to that man Bamford again, his pass dissecting the Stevenage defence and finding Alli, he slipped but managed to jab the ball home for the 17 year old's first MK Dons league goal.  The hosts were all over the visitors and it looked game over. 

Alli was on target for the Dons

Within 35 minutes it could just have easily been 4.  Bamford's run and cutback found Chadwick but ex-Hartlepool defender Peter Hartley was there to clear, Stevenage in disarray but as half time edged closer the Dons got complacent.  Luke Freeman surged down the left and cleverly beat Antony Kay before firing a low cross across goal which was too much for Darren Potter to handle and the ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder could do nothing but fire the ball into the top corner of his own net.  

Half time arrived as Stevenage gave themselves something to cling onto for the second period. 3-1 to MK Dons at the break.

Stevenage came out with it all to do in the second half but found themselves on the back foot once again as another cross from out wide almost ended up with Bamford's third, his header just off target.  Minutes later Westley's side had a header of their own fired off target by defender Jon Ashton.

MK went about making the 3 points safe as they were buoyed on by a constant chant of 'MK Army' from the Cowshed and on the hour they done all but that.  Alli adjudged to have been pushed as he fell to the Stadium:MK turf, a very soft penalty.  Regular penalty taker Williams stepped up to send Day the wrong way and the men from MK1 had hit 4 for the first time this campaign.

Williams made it 4

With the game all but wrapped up Robinson decided it was the moment to reintroduce Daniel Powell for the first time this season following his lengthy 10 week injury layoff in place of Luke Chadwick and 10 minutes later Alli was taken off after a fine display, in place of Izale McLeod.

On 83 minutes came Stevenage's first meaningful shot of the second half.  Boro man of the match Freeman's mazy run bamboozling the Dons defence and his shot across goal could only find the bottom of the post. 

The Hertfordshire side hit the post for the second time minutes later after Oumare Tounkara was put through one on one with Martin but nothing was going to stop it from being MK Dons' and particularly Bamford's day as the striker added to his growing reputation.

Robinson will be delighted with the character from his side after last week's disappointment whereas Stevenage's winless run stretches to 5 league games.

Robinson was delighted with what he saw

Final score- MK Dons 4-1 Stevenage

MK Dons:

1. David Martin 5. Lee Hodson 24. Antony Kay 6. Shaun Williams 3. Dean Lewington 7. Stephen Gleeson 8. Darren Potter (12. Ben Reeves) 23. Danny Green 10. Luke Chadwick (17. Daniel Powell) 14. Dele Alli (13. Izale McLeod) 15. Patrick Bamford

Subs not used: 16. Ian McLoughlin 2. Jon Otsemobor 11. Alan Smith 18. George Baldock

Goals: Bamford 12' 22' Alli 23' Williams 62' (pen)

Stevenage:

16. Chris Day 2. Sam Wedgbury 3. Lee Hills (13. Don Cowan) 5. Jon Ashton 8. James Dunne 15. Luke Freeman 17. Greg Tansey 20. Jimmy Smith (21. Oumare Tounkara) 24. Michael Doughty (32. Robin Shroot) 29. Peter Hartley 34 Roarie Deacon

Subs not used: 1. Steve Arnold 6. Luke Jones 14. Simon Heslop 23. Dani Lopez

Goals: Potter (OG) 42'

Booked: Deacon

Peterborough United 2-1 MK Dons

Dons downed by 9 man Posh

Mid September saw MK Dons make the short trip to London Road for the first the first time in 30 months however none of the 8149 supporters that entered London Road could predict what they were about to see...

The Dons made one change from the home victory over lowly Notts County as Samir Carruthers replaced Jason Banton.  Darren Ferguson included Lee Tomlin, Tommy Rowe, Danny Swanson, Tyrone Barnett and top scorer Britt Assombalonga in a strong Posh lineup and a good match looked on the cards.

It took just 5 lively minutes for the game to be turned on its head.  Dons' top scorer Patrick Bamford dispossessed by Nathaniel Knight-Percival and the pair entered a foot race for the loose ball.  The Posh defender's flailing arm caught the defenseless Bamford clean in the face and this saw Darren Drysdale reduce Peterborough to 10 men for the next 85 minutes.

Knight-Percival catches Bamford

Straight away this put Robinson's men on the front foot, two solid banks of four from Peterborough was hard to break down for the Dons but Luke Chadwick had the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock.  The ball sat up nicely for him just 12 yards out but the ex-Manchester United midfielder could only send the ball way over Bobby Olejnik's goal and onto the the roof of the London Road terrace.

Tomlin sent posh into the lead

It was coming increasingly obvious that the home sides' best chance of creating an opportunity was through a counter attack, which they duly did.  Former MK Dons transfer target Danny Swanson broke through the visitors rearguard and was bundled over by a clumsy challenge from Shaun Williams.

Lee Tomlin stepped up and calmly slotted the ball straight down the middle sending London Road into raptures. 1 man down but 1 goal up.





MK Dons were sloppy throughout the first half and couldn't seem to string their passes together as Peterborough sat back and let the visitors come onto them.  Then as was expected the Dons finally got their chance. Williams in-swinging corner finding right-back Jon Otsemobor but the defender could only fire his header past Olejnik's left hand post.

Moments later the Posh stopper was called upon to make his first save of the game, Chadwick's cushioned header finding the on-loan Bamford however the striker could only direct his point plank header straight at Olejnik who made a smart save, the 'keeper was going to prove to be a thorn in the Stadium:MK side throughout.

But for the second time the visitors were going to be made to pay.  A rare Antony Kay error from Olejnik's kick saw Assombalonga  baring down on goal.  His cool finish through the legs of David Martin saw prolific Posh score their second goal with their first shot from open play on 34 minutes.

10 minutes before the break saw MK Dons' first change, Samir Carruthers to be replaced by George Baldock as the on-loan Carruthers was to depart in a neck brace at full time.

The Dons' were shocked but carried on trying to find a way through the Posh wall and almost did.  Danny Green's free kick smartly stopped by Olejnik as it was destined for the top corner.  This was followed by claims for a penalty for a push by Michael Bostwick on Bamford, however all in vain.  The winger was at it again seconds later as his long range drive was once again saved by Olejnik who tipped the ball acrobatically over his crossbar.

All that was left in the first period was for Tomlin to be shown a yellow card for simulation, much to the MK Dons supporters' delight.

A dismal dons first half display needed much improvement if they were to find their way past a resilient Posh defence and an inspired Olejnik.

 The Dons' felt fairly familiar coming out behind at half time, finding themselves in the same situation for the 4th time in the league this season and on the previous 3 occasions rescuing a point. Izale McLeod was introduced in place of Green for the second half as Robinson looked to salvage something.

The second half continued as the first ended, MK camped in the Peterborough half who had all 10 men behind the ball defending for their lives.

George Baldock cut in from the left and fired his 20 yard effort against the post to the relief of a helpless Olejnik as the travelling support felt it wouldn't be their day.

All the Dons could do was watch their crosses be headed away by a solid Bostwick and co. in the Posh defence and their long shots ping off blue shirts.  A frustrating start to the second half saw Alan Smith introduced.

The former England man was straight into the action, nodding headers down from the flanks, however none dropped at the feet of Dons players.

However with a quarter of an hour to go substitute Izale McLeod gave the Dons a lifeline.  Penalty box pin-ball saw Smith head the ball across goal to Bamford, Bamford headed the ball back across goal and found McLeod lurking at the back post, he simply couldn't miss.

McLeod tapped in for his 67th Dons goal

Within a minute Mark Little then lunged in late on Dons skipper Dean Lewington and he too was sent his marching orders.  Darren Ferguson's side down to 9 with 14 minutes remaining.

MK Dons continued to pile on the pressure and look for a leveler but Posh stood up to the task and if it wasn't for man of the match Olejnik the visitors would have been out of sight.  Another good stop from Smith as Bamford then struck the bar from range but that was all that Robinson's side could muster.

A lengthy amount of injury time wasn't enough as a relieved Peterborough side ran out 2-1 winners at London Road in a thoroughly enjoyable local derby.  The Dons defeated for the first time this season and will look to bounce back at home to Stevenage next week.

Peterborough:

1. Bobby Olejnik 31. Mark Little 6. Michael Bostwick 20. Nathaniel Knight-Percival 2. Craig Alcock 7. Danny Swanson (11. Grant McCann) 10. Lee Tomlin (5. Gabriel Zakuani) 8. Jack Payne 14. Tommy Rowe 23. Tyrone Barnett (3. Kgosi Ntlhe) 9. Britt Assombalonga 

Subs not used: 13. Joe Day 17. Joe Newell 19. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 28. Jaanai Gordon-Hutton

Goals: Tomlin (pen) 12' Assombalonga 34'

Booked: Tomlin, Assombalonga, Swanson, Barnett

Off: Knight-Percival, Little

MK Dons:

1. David Martin 2. Jon Otsemobor 6. Shaun Williams 24. Antony Kay 3. Dean Lewington 8. Darren Potter 7. Stephen Gleeson 23. Danny Green (13. Izale McLeod) 10. Luke Chadwick (11. Alan Smith) 22. Samir Carruthers (18. George Baldock) 15. Patrick Bamford

Subs not used: 16. Ian McLoughlin 5. Lee Hodson 14. Dele Alli 21. Jason Banton

Goals: McLeod 74'

Booked:

MK Dons 3-1 Notts County

Notts such an easy day for County

MK Dons breased past a poor Notts County side thanks to goals from Luke Chadwick, Shaun Williams and Patrick Bamford.  MK welcomed back Samir Carruthers fresh off his international duties as Jason Banton was dropped to the bench, Karl Robinson's only change. County handed a debut to new loan signing Marcus Haber who was partnered by Danny Haynes in attack, behind them was on-loan Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, summer signing David Bell, set piece specialist Alan Sheehan and experienced centre backs Dean Leacock and Gary Liddle.

MK Dons hadn't suffered defeat to any Notts County side since December 2010 and this run looked set to continue from the off, referee Scott Mathieson blew his whistle and virtually the first attack of the match saw the Dons go one up. Sheehan's week header back towards Bialkowski saw in-form Dons striker Bamford get to the ball before the onrushing County keeper. Bamford turned and slid the ball into the path of Luke Chadwick who couldn't believe his luck and calmly slotted the ball into the unguarded net after just 5 minutes. The worst possible start for Chris Kiwomya's men.

Chadwick gave MK Dons the perfect start

A pair of yellow cards followed for McGregor and Haynes as bottom side Notts went in search of a quick leveller. It was the Magpies' that has the next chance 11 minutes later. A delightful cross in from the left towards Haber who saw his powerful header juggled by Martin on the goal line, cue the appeals that were waved away by referee Mathieson.

Williams doubled the advantage

Karl Robinson's men then took control as Carruthers fired a shot just wide.  The lively Bamford then floated a cross for Stephen Gleeson to watch his placed header hit the woodwork.  The Dons' needed a second goal and it wasn't far away.

County gave away a sloppy free kick just outside the box and set piece expert Shaun Williams curled his shot over the wall, away from Bialkowski who could merely watch as the ball flew past him into the top corner and Williams grabbed his second of the season and MK Dons' second of the game.

Half time arrived at 2-0, however a cricket score looked on the cards at Stadium:MK.

The start of the second half continued how the first ended, Carruthers giving County another warning as his shot skimmed the top of Bialkowski's net and on-loan winger Danny Green saw his effort cleared off the line, the Dons looking for more to make the score emphatic.

Kiwomya then made changed to his lackluster Notts' side, introducing Yoann Arquinn and Jack Grealish for the unimpressive David Bell and Danny Haynes.

This made no difference and it was the rampant Dons that carried on pushing, Bamford sending a tame header into the awaiting hands of the Notts' stopper before he got down sharply to deny Bamford once again from a goal bound shot.

Despite the Dons' pressure County then countered.  McGregor beating a poor offside trap and confidently dispatching the ball past Martin giving the Nottinghamshire side a lifeline.

Robinson then sent on McLeod and Alli for Green and Chadwick. The substitutes combined as the Dons' all time leading goalscorer cut in from the left found himself 1 on 1. He shaped towards the far corner and was a whisker away from Making it 3.

McLeod was then sent through for a second time and once again failed to beat Bialkowski as the danger was cleared but the home side weren't finished yet.

Alli and McLeod linked up once again and Notts' keeper went to smother at the feet of McLeod.  All he could do was parry to Bamford who calmly volleyed into an empty net under pressure, in front of the Cowshed, for his 6th of the season and putting the result beyond doubt.

Bamford netting once again

Full time at Stadium:MK and County were no further to sorting their problems, an awful display and the Dons were comfortable throughout. Robinson's men have the week off, whereas County travel to table topping Orient on Tuesday.

MK Dons 1-1 Swindon Town

Robinson's men officially robbed

MK Dons' fixture against Swindon Town is one that always has an edge about it.  To add to this one, the Sky cameras were in town for an early kick off.

The Dons, unlike Swindon had played midweek in the JPT and  made 3 changes to the lineup that started at Bramall Lane the previous Saturday. Jon Otsemobor came in at right back for Lee Hodson who was away on international duty.  Samir Carruthers made way for the on-loan Danny Green for the same reason and Izale McLeod took up his place on the bench for the experienced Luke Chadwick.  Reds' boss Mark Cooper included Jay McEveley, Massimo Luongo, Alex Pritchard and ex-Newcastle striker Nile Ranger.

With the football world watching referee Stuart Attwell started the game and it was the visitors, in red, who had the game's first shot.  Unselfish work by Ranger saw his layoff find Pritchard who forced a smart save from David Martin in the Dons' goal.  

After the opening exchanges Gleeson was the next to go close, his thunderbolt from range being tipped over by Wes Foderingham.  Just 4 minutes later saw the first goal. A free kick 25 yards out on the Swindon right saw Pritchard and McEveley standing over the ball. Pritchard stepped up and saw his fantastic effort swing over and round the virtually non existent wall and out of reach of Martin, a brilliant effort.

Pritchard put Swindon a goal to the good

The Dons went in search of a leveler but it took the best part of 15 minutes to come, in-form front man Patrick Bamford was presented with an opportunity but a last ditch tackle from Yaser Kasim saw the danger quickly eradicated. The Dons then saw 3 penalty appeals turned down by referee Attwell, much do the anger and dismay of boss Robinson, however the men from MK1 continued to press and ex-Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick was next to go close, his effort blocked away by a resilient Swindon back line.

As the game was destined towards half time, Martin was called upon once again as a lively Pritchard fizzed a a cross across goal, forcing Martin to parry away straight to Ranger who's shot on the turn brought another impressive save from the former Liverpool stopper.

Half time and Cooper's side were ahead, 1-0.

For the second time in 2 home league games the Dons trailed at the break and once again came out all guns blazing. As the crowd found their way back to their seats a floated cross found the awaiting Jason Banton lurking at the far post 10 yards out with the goal at his mercy, however the winger got himself in a tangle and his scuffed shot ended up going out for a goal kick and Swindon breathed a sigh of relief.

After early second half pressure the Reds looked to put the game out of sight, summer signing Luongo firing his shot straight at Martin from the edge of the box. 

On 51 minutes came the  turning point, Nathan Byrne's run stopped by Irishman Shaun Williams.  Eager to get the ball back, he put in a late tackle on the Dons' defender, missing the ball completely and treading on Williams ankle.  Attwell deemed this worth of a straight red and Byrne was sent for an early bath, leaving his manager fuming and Robinson bemused.

Byrne dismissed for a late challenge

Keen to take advantage, within four minutes the ball was put through to on-loan striker Bamford who found a gaping whole between the two centre halves and ran through to calmly poke the ball beyond the watching Foderingham in front of the Cowshed and bringing his team level. A classy goal from a man on fire, the 20 year old collecting his 5th goal in 7 games. A crazy 10 minutes to start the second half.

Bamford's cool finish earned a point

This left either side 35 minutes to search for the winner.  Robinson's men with their man advantage used the momentum to carve out another shot on goal, wide man Green cutting in from the left and unleashing a shot towards the top corner to see a flying Foderingham in the way and diverting the ball for a corner, which came to nothing.

With 15 minutes to go the managers rung the changes, for the Dons youngster Dele Alli on in place of Chadwick and McLeod introduced in place of an impressive Banton.  Goalscorer Pritchard was hauled off by Cooper alongside Ranger to see Nicky Ajose and deadline day signing Danny N'Guessan replace them.

The next 10 minutes saw more pressure from the home side but nothing in the way of chances and in the 86th minute the final changes were made.  Ex-Dons midfielder Ryan Harley was on for Luongo and Green was replaced by Baldock.

The 88th minute saw controversy, Bamford's scuffed shot landed at the feet of Baldock who slotted the ball through Foderingham's legs sending Stadium:MK into raptures but to be denied by the offside flag, which replays showed to be completely the wrong decision.

That saw the game through to its climax and it was a point apiece at Stadium:MK in an exciting game.  A great advert for League One football.

Player Ratings:

David Martin- Made a number of good saves to deny Swindon, kept it at one for a long time. 9

Jon Otsemobor- Looked solid in defence however didn't offer much going forward. 7

Antony Kay- Last week's match winner once again a brick wall at the back. 8.5

Shaun Williams- Looked a threat from set pieces, accompanied Kay well in defence. 8

Dean Lewington- Long-serving Lewington was brilliant in his 3rd game in a week after injury. 8.5

Stephen Gleeson- Almost scored with a pile driver from range and dictated the game after the red card. 8

Darren Potter- Provided the assist for Bamford's equaliser and looked good throughout. 8

Jason Banton- Lively once again saw him pass Swindon defenders with ease at times, should have scored himself. 8

Luke Chadwick- Was marshaled well by Swindon and couldn't really get into the game. Glimpses of his usual self at times. 7

Danny Green- Provides something different, a brilliant crosser with an eye for goal and good set piece delivery, looked good and went close in the second period. 8

Patrick Bamford- 'They're starting to talk about this boy' sums up his efforts of the last few weeks and cannot stop scoring, long may it continue! Another good perfomance. 8.5

Izale Mcleod- The nearly man of the squad, impressed again for me. 7.5

Dele Alli- He looks a class act and put in a good show off the bench, his surging runs from midfield becoming his trademark.  Good link up play on the wing too. 7.5

George Baldock- Carrying on with his early season form and should have had his first senior goal. 8

Sheffield United 0-1 MK Dons

MK Dons 'steel' 3 points in Sheffield

The last day of August saw MK Dons' travel to Bramall Lane, the home of David Weir's Sheffield United.  Games between the Dons and the Blades had always been close, seeing just 5 goals in 4 previous meetings.  MK Dons had come out on top twice, United once and the single draw.  Another close, hard fought battle looked on the cards in South Yorkshire.

Karl Robinson was still without Dean Bowditch and Daniel Powell (both injured) however captain Dean Lewington returned at left back and Ben Reeves occupied the substitutes' bench. Izale McLeod was handed a start, along with Samir Carruthers as Patrick Bamford moved out to the wing.  David Weir included new signing Jose Baxter with fellow summer recruits Lyle Taylor and Conor Coady joining him. The Blades' team looked strong, fielding Tony McMahon, Harry Maguire, Neill Collins and Michael Doyle amongst others.

Referee David Webb blew and the Dons, in black, kicked the game off.  The early pressure came from the home side who went into the game with just one win and one draw to their name this season.  Murphy swinging a cross in towards Taylor however the ball was gathered by Dons' keeper David Martin.  Sheffield United were playing towards their famous Kop in the first half and the first quarter of an hour saw them obtain many set piece opportunities, yet none of them yielding any noticeable chances.

A bruising encounter at Bramall Lane

Quarter of an hour in and the Dons had their first opening, slick movement down the left saw McLeod in to the six yard box, goal gaping. Players waiting.  But not for the first time this season McLeod's final ball let him down, his 'shot' trickling out for a goal kick, much to everyone's disbelief.

United looked to hit back, Taylor and Baxter combining well on a number of occasions and firing shots at goal, neither troubling Martin.  The game then became stop start. Fouls became often as both teams looking to increase the intensity.  All that was left in the first half was for McLeod to have a strong penalty claim waved away by referee Webb as the Dons' frontman looked to have been shoved by Maguire.

Half time at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United 0-0 MK Dons

The second half was upon us and not long after the restart saw the games best chance so far. Baxter drilling his effort into the foot of Antony Kay, the ball looping up into Taylor's path with the goal at his mercy however he could not convert, his taim shot trickling wide of Martin's right-hand post.

Martin's save from McMahon

The hour mark saw Robinson change it around, McLeod hauled off, Chadwick sent on.  Bamford resorted into his more familiar striker role but it was Sheffield United who had the next attempt.  Set-piece specialist McMahon saw his free kick smartly saved by David Martin low down to his right. 

The next 20 minutes saw both teams go toe to toe, fighting it out for the winner and as the last 5 minutes arrived the game was heading for stalemate.  Banton and Carruthers replaced by Baldock and Alli for the Dons whereas Febian Brandy and Joe Ironside were introduced in place of Taylor and Jamie Murphy. 

In the 85th minute Ryan Flynn fizzed a cross into the Dons' box which caused havoc within MK's ranks and Brandy found himself with an empty net just 7 yards out and the game looked won. However Brandy could not convert, scuffing his shot wide and leaving the Blades' attack blunt.

From the resulting goal kick Bamford was impeded in the air.  The men from MK1 awarded a free kick 30 yards out on the right.  Shaun Williams lofted his left-footed cross invitingly towards the back post where Barnsley-born Antony Kay placed his header across George Long and into the far corner, wheeling away into celebration in front of the Kop which rapidly started to empty.

Shortly after 5 minutes of added time were signaled and David Weir had his last throw of the dice. Callum McFadzean on for Flynn. The extra minutes saw no more chances.  All that was left was for a frustrated Brandy to go in with a horrific 2-footed lunge on the Dons' Northern Ireland international defender Lee Hodson and was swiftly shown a red card.  His 27 minutes to forget were over.

The referee blew to signify MK Dons' second win of the season.   Their first away win of the new term and a hard fought one at that. The unbeaten start continues.  An old fashioned 'smash and grab' at the oldest league ground in the world.

Player Ratings:

David Martin- The Dons' number 1 kept his team in the game at times with some impressive saves. 8.5

Lee Hodson- The right back showed his class and was a brick wall throughout. 9

Antony Kay- Another solid show from the Yorkshireman, standing up to everything thrown at him and heading the Dons to victory. 8.5

Shaun Williams- Classy as ever, Williams dictated from the back and provided the assist for his central defensive partner Kay. 8 

Dean Lewington- Back from a month out, Lewington was thrown in at the deep end against a strong side and coped well, quiet but effective. 8

Stephen Gleeson- Continued to impress, having to battle hard in the middle of the park. 8

Darren Potter- The ex-Wednesdayite was a thorn in Sheffield United's side. 7.5

Patrick Bamford- Bamford, in an unfamiliar position was forced to work hard and played well. 7.5

Samir Carruthers- Showed his premier league class once again, dancing his way around defenders and linking up well with team mates. 8

Jason Banton- Frozen out by the United rearguard, quiet game and will be looking to improve next time out. 6.5

Izale McLeod- Continues to make the right runs and link up well however his final ball still needs work. 7.5

George Baldock- Came on and looked lively, added energy when rest were tired. 7

Luke Chadwick- Used his experience to guide the Dons to victory and then home. 7.5

Dele Alli- Wasn't given enough time to get into the game, battled hard throughout. 7

Milton Keynes Dons 2-2 Bristol City

The Return of a Legend

Bristol City's home clash with MK Dons was one that supporters of the Dons looked for when the fixtures came out. For one simple reason. The return of a legend. The first academy product MK Dons produced, a man loved on and off the field, Sam Baldock. The whole week had seen talk about Sam, and his younger brother George, who is still playing for the MK.

Two O'Clock arrived, the team news was in.  Both of the brothers started. Sean O'Driscoll had packed his Bristol City side full of quality including the likes of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Frank Fielding, Greg Cunningham, Scott Wagstaff and Marvin Elliott. Karl Robinson opted to keep Jon Otsemobor in the heart of his defence with Dean Lewington still out injured and Luke Chadwick started ahead of Dele Alli while Lee Hodson played his 100th career game at just 21.

Brothers in arms at Stadium:MK

The referee blew, the talk had stopped and the game commenced and it didn't take long for Sam Baldock to get involved, he scored a hat trick in his last game at Stadium:MK and was looking lively again, on 4 minutes he had the first attempt of the game, a taim effort gathered comfortably by Dons' stopper David Martin. 

On 10 minutes the Dons' wide man Jason Banton latched onto a ball from Darren potter but could not capitalise, firing his shot over Frank Fielding's goal. The game had got off to a tight start with neither team looking likely to score but on 21 minutes a searching Joe Bryan free kick found Aden Flint at the back post, his header thundering against David Martin's right hand post. 

The Dons then dominated the next 10 minutes, the Robins couldn't cope with MK Dons' slick passing that created an opening for on-loan striker Patrick Bamford. Lee Hodson, George Baldock and Stephen Gleeson combining with the latter threading a delightful ball through but Bamford could only hit the outside of the post with his effort.  

On 37 minutes came the inevitable, ex-dons man Baldock finding space in the box and firing an unstoppable half volley past a stranded David Martin, it just had to be. The elder sibling not moving a muscle in celebration, respecting the people who once worshiped him. That took the game through to half time at 1-0.

Sam Baldock hit a hat trick against Chesterfield

Karl Robinson sent his men out early for the second half, clearly not happy at what he had seen thus far.

Patrick Bamford celebrating his second goal of the season

The Dons came out like men possessed in the second half, however the first chance of the half came to ex-Manchester City man Greg Cunningham who fired his shot into the 1000+ travelling Bristol City supporters in the Stadium:MK North stand. Two minutes later the Dons were on terms. Luke Chadwick's surge forced the Bristol City defence back as he threaded a ball through to Patrick Bamford who fired a left footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Frank Fielding no chance. 

A minute later and Jason Banton left the field to be replaced to be replaced by fellow loanee Samir Carruthers. More good play from the Dons' front line saw the sub's shot fly just over the bar, the men from MK1 on the front foot and looking for the lead as Karl Robinson made his second change on the hour as Dele Alli entered in place of Lee Hodson which saw George Baldock move to right back.

Sam Baldock put City 2-1 up

Minutes later a long kick from Fielding saw the Dons defence caught and Baldock was clean through, David Martin didn't move as Baldock's fired a clinical shot past him and into the bottom corner in front of the travelling support. No celebration once again from the Robins' captain and a second Stadium:MK hat trick in a row looked on the cards.

Carruthers' finish earned the Dons' a point 

The Dons' went looking for their second equaliser of the game and just 3 minutes later they had it.This goal almost identical to the first. Alli won the ball and ran at the defence, sliding the ball through to Carruthers who's first time finish into the top corner was one that would have looked at home in the Premier League.

That left 20 minutes for a winner to come as Luke Chadwick was taken off to be replaced by Izale McLeod  in Karl Robinson's final move and Jordan Wynter was introduced in place of Bobby Reid.

With ten minutes to go MK Dons survived strong claims for a penalty from Bristol City as Joe Bryan was sent flying by Antony Kay, the Bristol City fans incensed. City piled on the pressure and a fantastic save by Martin from a powerful Emmanuel-Thomas strike fell to Baldock as his hat trick looked all but sealed, but the Reds' skipper failed to control the ball and was left wondering what could have been.  The game was coming to a close as the fourth official held his board aloft the Dons were given a free kick 28 yards out. The Dons' set piece specialist Shaun Williams stepped up. He bent his free kick round the wall to see a flying Frank Fielding tip the ball onto the post with the save of the match, the follow up falling to the defence who swiftly cleared. 

All that was left was a couple of free kicks for the Dons' that proved fruitless as Karl Robinson's men ended the strongest, a point a fair result for both as MK trailed twice and both times fought back.

Player Ratings:

David Martin- The MK Dons' keeper didn't have too much to do, but made a very important save from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 6.5

Lee Hodson- Was the only outlet when under pressure during the first half, touch and control was poor.   Defending was pleasing. 7

Antony Kay- Solid as ever, won just about every header, marshaled Sam Baldock to the best of his abilities. 9

Jon Otsemobor- Not cut out to play centre back, lot to learn for him. 5

Shaun Williams- Quite game, has much more of an effect as centre back, looked dangerous from set plays. 7.5

Darren Potter- Protected the back four as per usual, calm and collected. 8

Stephen Gleeson- Stand in captain, classy as ever. 8

Jason Banton- Looked threatening first half, adds something to our team. 8

Luke Chadwick- Poor first half, stuck at it and got himself an assist. 7.5

George Baldock- Managed the occasion well, his combination down the right with Hodson looks promising. 7.5

Patrick Bamford- Put himself about, added a goal to his tally, good performance. 8.5

Samir Carruthers- Very good acquisition, looking forward to seeing him start, changed the game and scored with a good finish. 8

Dele Alli- Making his way in the game, provided the assist for the second, looked assured. 7.5

Izale Mcleod- Needs a run of starts, things not going his way. 6.5

League One weekend preview- 10th August 2013

The 10th of August sees the new Skybet League One season head into its second weekend, after a hectic 7 days which included the first games of the new season and the Capital One cup first round.

Bradford City v Carlisle United

League One new boys Bradford take on Carlisle at Valley Parade on Saturday.  Bradford will be looking to
continue their impressive opening day showing away to Bristol City, gaining a point, however the Cumbrians will be looking to bounce back from a Catastrophic opening day thrashing at the hands of Russell Slade's Leyton Orient. Midweek Bradford were dumped out of the League Cup at the first hurdle, losing to local rivals Huddersfield.  Carlisle caused an upset beating Championship side Blackburn on penalties after a 3-3 draw, David Amoo with a brace and Lewis Guy opening his Carlisle account.  Today (Thursday) Carlisle have strengthened in defence adding Charlton's Republic of Ireland u21 international Kevin Feely on a month loan.

Lee Miller is suspended for Carlisle following his red card on the opening day.  I have no doubt that Carlisle's struggles will continue at Bradford on Saturday. Prediction: Bradford 2-0 Carlisle.

Rory McArdle gave Bradford their first point

Brentford v Sheffield United

The second weekend of the season sees 2 of the divisions heavyweights go head to head at Griffin Park.  The Blades kicked off the season with an impressive win in front of the sky cameras at home to Notts County. They face one of their toughest trips this season to West London, on the back of their Capital One Cup defeat by Burton, looking to continue their league form. 

The Bees got a point at Port Vale to start their season, and head for their first home league game of the season with high hopes after an exciting midweek clash with Dagenham and Redbridge, winning 3-2.

Both sides go into this one looking to claim a very valuable, early 3 points. Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Sheffield United

Harry Maguire's header gave Sheffield United
victoru

Colchester United v Port Vale

The U's left it late against Gillingham

The Valliants make the trip to Essex on the back of a well earned point against promotion-tipped Brentford, leaving boss Micky Adams pleased.  Vale and Colchester both found themselves out the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, as the Vale park side edged out by Walsall, whereas the U's were hammered by fellow third tier outfit Peterborough. Joe Dunne's side kicked off the league season with a late win at League One newcomers Gillingham and will be looking to make it 6 points from 6.

Prediction: Colchester 2-1 Port Vale

Leyton Orient v Shrewsbury Town

Kevin Lisbie opened his season account against Carlisle

Early pacesetters Leyton Orient welcome the Shrews to East London this Saturday.  The rampant reds walked all over Carlisle on the opening weekend, smashing them 5-1. Graham Turner's Shrewsbury were left pleased with a point at home to the MK Dons last weekend, and will be looking for their first three points of the season this weekend. Graham Burke has been added for more creativity up front, on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

I think Shrewsbury will struggle to gain anything at the Matchroom Stadium this weekend. Prediction: Orient 3-1 Shrewsbury.

MK Dons v Crewe Alexandra

Daniel Powell will be a big loss for
MK Dons

Crewe travel to MK Dons after a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Rotherham first time out, with the Millers being 3-1 down going into the closing stages. Alexandra also has a disappointing midweek, losing to League Two side Bury 3-2. The news that star man Mathias Pogba will also be out for months is a massive blow for Steve Davis' side.

Meanwhile Karl Robinson was left pleased following the Dons' trip to Greenhous Meadow despite the bore draw, claiming he saw a 'good performance.' Much more pleasing for the men from Milton Keynes was the Capital One cup win away to Neighbours Northampton Town.

The Dons will be looking to impress back at Stadium:MK for the first time, but without wingers Daniel Powell and Dean Bowditch, both injured. Skipper Dean Lewington is also struggling with a knock picked up in the opening day draw at Shrewsbury.

The Railwaymen will have to improve defensively if they are to gain anything from Saturday's clash in Buckinghamshire. Prediction: MK Dons 2-0 Crewe.

Notts County v Peterborough

The Posh are off to a good start

Notts County were left disappointed after a loss away to Sheffield United on Friday night, however they managed to overcome the challenge from League Two Fleetwood midweek and a glamouring 2nd round tie at Anfield awaits. County will also be without Gary Liddle and Manny Smith after the Magpies suffered two red cards in their first games this season.  Callum McGregor impressed on debut against Fleetwood and the on-loan Celtic man will be pushing for a start against the Posh, who find themselves heading to Meadow Lane on the back of 2 wins in 3 days, scoring 6 in the process.  New signing Britt Assombalonga immediately started to show why Peterborough paid a million pounds for his services, netting on debut last weekend.  The Posh are also through to round two of the league cup after hammering Colchester on Tuesday.  Both teams will be looking for a good start to their season and I can see this being a tough game for both sides.  Prediction: County 1-2 Peterborough.

Oldham Athletic v Walsall

The Latics season opener was an eventful one.  Lee Johnson's men were involved in a 7 goal thriller at Stevenage, winning 4-3. On the other hand, Walsall's Craig Westcarr scored a brace, firing them to a 3-1 win against Tranmere. Walsall followed that win up by beating fellow League One side Port Vale in the League Cup on Tuesday, meanwhile Oldham were edged out by championship outfit Derby.

Oldham will have to tighten up at the back come this weekend, whereas Walsall will be wary of the threat posed by the Boundary park club. Prediction: Oldham 2-2 Walsall

Oldham were delighted to beat Stevenage

Rotherham United v Preston North End

Preston had a shock win against Blackpool

Rotherham's first home game back in League One takes place on Saturday, where Preston visit. Preston kicked off the 2013/14 Capital One cup with a late win against Lancashire rivals Blackpool.  Last week North End gained a point at home to Wolves in one of the football league's celebratory fixtures. The Millers salvaged a late point in an impressive show at Crewe last week and then pulled off an upset midweek, dumping fellow Yorkshire club Sheffield Wednesday out.  Simon Grayson will be looking for his first 3 points of the campaign, whereas Rotherham will be looking to pit their wits against one of the better teams in the division. Prediciton: Rotherham 1-2 Preston

Swindon v Stevenage

Swindon are the only team in the football league still without a manager and are preparing for Hertfordshire club Stevenage to visit the County Ground.  Swindon faced one of the toughest games of their season last weekend, and succumbed to an early winner from Britt Assomalonga at Peterborough. However their fortunes turned around during the week, beating league two torquay. Stevenage caused one of the biggest shocks of the week, pulling off a 2-0 win at home to Mick McCarthy's Ipswich. Stevenage will be looking to avoid the same result as their opening league one game, as they shipped 4 to Oldham.  However Graham Westley took some positives from the 3 they did score. Prediction: Swindon 2-1 Stevenage

Westley was left with food for thought after their
defeat to Oldham

Tranmere Rovers v Crawley Town

Mike Jones snatched a
late winner for Crawley

Both of these sides won one and lost one during the first week of the season.  Tranmere were left disappointed after a 3-1 loss away to Walsall last Saturday but then the men from Merseyside were too much for football league new boys Mansfield.  Crawley's season opener saw them beat cash-strapped Coventry 3-2, then lose to league two Cheltenham following extra time in the cup.

This is a tough game for both sides, prediction: Tranmere 1-1 Crawley

Wolverhamton Wanderers v Gillingham

Leigh Griffiths will be looking for his first goal this season

Promotion favourites host Martin Allen's Gills this weekend.  Kenny Jackett will be looking to gain the men from Molineux's first win of the season, as they drew to Preston last time out. Gillingham will be out to prove they can go toe to toe with the big guns of league one, and to gain their first point after their opening day defeat to Colchester.  Midweek both teams were dumped out of the capital one cup, as Gillingham went down 2-0 to Bristol City and Wolves were once again in the limelight as they lost 1-0 to league two Morecambe infront of the Sky cameras. I think the midlands club will be too much for Gillingham, but who can blame me? Prediction: Wolves 3-0 Gillingham.

Coventry City v Bristol City (Sunday)

Crisis club Coventry stage their first game at Sixfields this Saturday, as a crowd of just 1100 is expected at Northampton. Coventry will be looking to improve on their double defeat this week, losing 3-2 on both outings, to Crawley in the league and Leyton Orient. The Robins make the trip for the first time without Albert Adomah, whos' move to Middlesbrough was completed this week. A win and a draw for the Reds this week saw them stay in the league cup and also put their first point on the board. Sean O'Driscoll's side will be looking to put in a good performance in their first away game of the new season. Prediction: Coventry 0-2 Bristol City

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored his first Bristol City
goal against Bradford