MK Dons return to action at Stadium MK tonight, looking to build on their impressive victory at Fleetwood Town.
Karl Robinson’s side ended a run of games without a win by seeing off the Cod Army in convincing style – a 4-1 triumph which came courtesy of Ryan Colclough’s first professional hat-trick and Dean Bowditch’s fifth goal of the campaign.
While it appears the Dons may have turned a corner after a stuttering start to the season, one thing that does still elude them is a first home win – they’ll be looking to claim that this evening and in the process record back-to-back victories for the first time since the beginning of August.
Bury have enjoyed an excellent start to 2016/17 and they currently sit second in the Sky Bet League One table after eight games.
The Shakers arrive at Stadium MK tonight having won their last five matches in all competitions, with four of those coming in the league.
Their total of 16 goals scored is tied for the second highest amount in the division, while they have one of the best defensive records having conceded just 10 times.
It should be noted, however, that majority of Bury’s success has come at Gigg Lane – David Flitcroft’s side have won just once in four league matches away from home, scoring only six times and conceding the same amount.
The Dons claimed their third away success of the season with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Fleetwood Town.
Ryan Colclough opened the scoring on nine minutes before Dean Bowditch doubled the advantage with a penalty early in the second half.
Colclough grabbed his second goal of the game with a fantastic strike into the near corner and then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot late on, 20 minutes after Fleetwood had pulled one back.
While it appears the Dons may have turned a corner after a stuttering start to the season, one thing that does still elude them is a first home win – they’ll be looking to claim that this evening and in the process record back-to-back victories for the first time since the beginning of August.
Bury have enjoyed an excellent start to 2016/17 and they currently sit second in the Sky Bet League One table after eight games.
The Shakers arrive at Stadium MK tonight having won their last five matches in all competitions, with four of those coming in the league.
Their total of 16 goals scored is tied for the second highest amount in the division, while they have one of the best defensive records having conceded just 10 times.
It should be noted, however, that majority of Bury’s success has come at Gigg Lane – David Flitcroft’s side have won just once in four league matches away from home, scoring only six times and conceding the same amount.
The Dons claimed their third away success of the season with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Fleetwood Town.
Ryan Colclough opened the scoring on nine minutes before Dean Bowditch doubled the advantage with a penalty early in the second half.
Colclough grabbed his second goal of the game with a fantastic strike into the near corner and then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot late on, 20 minutes after Fleetwood had pulled one back.
Both sides had spells in the second half but it was Bury who would come out on top courtesy of Tom Pope’s header three minutes from time.
Zeli Ismail volleyed the Shakers into the lead on 41 minutes but Kristian Dennis equalised for the visitors just three minutes later.
Bury extended their winning run to five games with a 2-1 home triumph over Chesterfield.
Karl Robinson: “Their two strikers are very difficult to play against. Their two wide players are very, very good and their two midfield players have played at a much higher level. We know how good Kaysy is at the back as well.”
Last Dons win: 4-1, 22 Sep 2012 (Gigg Lane)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 1
Dons wins: 5
Deadman’s assistant referees are Andrew Aylott and Lisa Rashid while the fourth official Dave Bushell.
The Cambridgeshire official has taken charge of eight matches this season and brandished 31 yellow cards. He made his first sending off of the season last weekend in the League One clash between Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United.
Darren Deadman will be the man in the middle for tonight’s fixture, refereeing the Dons for the 10th time in his career.
Danny Mayor missed the win against Chesterfield and the winger remains a doubt with his ankle problem, while defender Nathan Cameron has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury.
Bury, meanwhile, have midfielder Neil Danns and Kelvin Etuhu pushing for starts following their returns from injury at the weekend.
Samir Carruthers, Ben Reeves and George C Williams are among those pushing for starts should Robinson wish to change his side.
Daniel Powell (thigh) has missed the last two games and remains a doubt, while Chuks Aneke (knee) and Scott Wootton (knee) are both out.
Karl Robinson reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight’s clash with Bury.
Tom Pope: “The fans are on the journey with us. I know my football and Bury have had difficult times over the years with a lot of ups and downs, but with the chairman we’ve got, the gaffer, the staff and the players, I think this club is ready to go to the next level, I really believe that.”
Last draw: 1-1, 12 Jan 2013 (Stadium MK)
Draws at Stadium MK: 1
Draws: 2
Last Bury win: 2-1, 11 Aug 2007 (Stadium MK)
Bury wins at Stadium MK: 1
Bury wins: 1
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!
What’s more, supporters can stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 5pm.
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MATCH COVERAGE
for more betting options for tonight’s Sky Bet League One fixture - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Tom Pope: 7/1
Hallam Hope: 13/2
Dean Bowditch: 11/2
Nicky Maynard: 11/2
James Vaughan: 11/2
Kieran Agard: 9/2
First goalscorer
Bury win: 11/4
Draw: 5/2
Dons win: 19/20
ResultTo purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343.
!Tickets for tonight's Stadium MK clash with Bury are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s, £7 under-18s and FREE for under-12s, while members can buy from only £15 as part of the Club's midweek offerTickets can also be bought from the cash-only booths around Stadium MK ahead of kick-off.
