mkdons.com re-visits the unforgettable comeback away at Stevenage in March, the last in the 'Memorable Match' series.
Report
Karl Robinson’s side fought back from two goals down to beat Stevenage with skipper Dean Lewington scoring in stoppage time with a header.
The men from MK1 looked down and out at half-time with the score at 2-0 but three goals in the final 20 minutes from Jordan Spence, Ben Reeves and Lewington earned the Dons victory on a memorable afternoon in Hertfordshire.
Graham Westley’s Boro took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of Dean Parrett, who was able to latch onto Luke Freeman’s neat flick-on and beat David Martin at his near post with a well-struck left-footed shot.
The hosts then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Antony Kay was adjudged to have fouled Curtis Obeng inside the area. There were little complaints from the Dons players and Lucas Akins duly converted beyond Martin.
Dons boss Robinson made a double substitution at half-time, replacing Daniel Powell and Izale McLeod with Dean Bowditch and James Loveridge and the latter, on his senior debut, came close to scoring early on with a fierce volley which flew agonisingly over the bar.
The men from MK1 looked eager to make up for their disappointing first-half showing and shortly after Loveridge’s effort, Dele Alli hit the inside of the post with a fine low shot which had Boro ‘keeper Chris Day beaten.
The Dons’ dominance continued and in the 81st minute they finally found a way past the stubborn Stevenage defence when Jordan Spence was able to fight through a goalmouth scramble to lift the ball home and pull a goal back for his side.
It was nothing less than the Dons deserved following their spirited second-half display, and just two minutes later they drew level thanks to a wonder-strike from Ben Reeves.
Collecting the ball 30-yards from goal, the 22-year-old took a touch before firing an unstoppable shot beyond day and into the top corner – a finish which would later be crowned Goal of the Season.
A large majority of the Dons supporters would have probably been content with a point following the situation at half-time, but in the fifth minute of stoppage time they were able to celebrate all three as Robinson’s men completed the most dramatic of comebacks.
Reeves, this time, turned provider with an in-swinging corner which found captain Lewington at the far post and he climbed high to head past Day from an acute angle to secure the victory.
Match stats
Stevenage (3-5-2): Day; Dembele, Ashton (c), Obeng; Akins (Morais 90), Mousinho, Smith, Parrett (Doughty 64), Freeman; Charles (Burrow 90), Zoko.
Subs not used: Arnold (GK), Wedgbury, Reid, Hartley.
Goals: Parrett 17, Akins 35 (pen)
Booked: Doughty
MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin; Baldock, Spence, Kay, Lewington (c); Smith, Alli; Powell (Bowditch 46), Reeves, Odelusi (Galloway 72); McLeod (Loveridge 46).
Subs not used: Burns (GK), Randall, Rasulo, Hall.
Goals: Spence 81, Reeves 84, Lewington 90
Booked: Smith
Referee: Mr F Graham
Attendance: 3,027 (580 away)
Highlights
Click here to watch full highlights courtesy of MK Dons Player
