Five talking points following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers...
Dons up to second
MK Dons went into the weekend looking to extend the gap over fourth-place and while they weren’t able to do that, despite their win, they were able to climb a place in the Sky Bet League Two table.
Saturday’s 2-1 win, coupled with Bury’s defeat at home to Swindon Town, saw Paul Tisdale’s men move into second spot and to within eight points of the league-leaders Lincoln City, who visit Stadium MK this coming weekend.
The Dons are one point ahead of the Shakers, although they Greater Manchester outfit do have a game in hand which they play on Tuesday. They remain three points clear of fourth-placed Mansfield Town and five ahead of in-form Tranmere Rovers, who also play a game in hand in midweek.
Character on display
Paul Tisdale’s side have won seven of their last nine matches and during that run have displayed plenty of character and adaptability.
The Dons have come from behind to secure points - their 3-1 win over Macclesfield Town saw from overturn a one-goal deficit while they earned a point from a losing position at home to Stevenage.
They’ve also twice responded from being pegged back to record crucial wins - away at Carlisle United, they conceded a first-half equaliser before going on to win 3-2 while, this past weekend, they managed to come out on top despite Forest Green Rovers levelling the scores in the second half.
Their victory at Forest Green came courtesy of a late winner from Russell Martin, who prodded home from a corner with just three minutes to play.
Late goals have been a hallmark of the Dons’ recent run of form - over the last nine games, Tisdale’s men have scored three crucial goals with less than 10 minutes to play (Chuks Aneke v Newport County, Chuks Aneke v Stevenage and Martin v Forest Green Rovers).
Russ the match-winner
Russell Martin scored his first MK Dons goal in Saturday’s win - and what a time for that to occur!
With just three minutes remaining at the New Lawn, the experienced defender showed great composure inside the penalty area to bring down Jake Hesketh’s deep cross and then squeeze the ball through a crowded six-yard box and into the net.
Martin, who has been an ever-present since arriving at the Club in January and has impressed at the heart of an injury-plagued defence, spoke to the media after the game and was asked how the goal compared to one he scored at Anfield for Norwich City.
Agard closing in on a century
Kieran Agard found the net once again at the weekend, taking his season total to 21 and edging him closer to a century of goals in his career.
The 29-year-old, who made his 300th league appearance at the New Lawn, now sits on 99 career goals and will have aspirations of reaching 100 before the seasons out.
Agard also continues to climb the Club’s scoring charts. He is now tied for third in MK Dons’ list of all-time league scorers, level with Dean Bowditch and Daniel Powell. He has also moved alongside Sam Baldock for fifth in the Club’s all-time scorer chart.
Gilbey misses out
The one negative from Saturday was that midfielder Alex Gilbey missed out due to the injury he sustained in the 2-0 win over Yeovil Town.
Boss Paul Tisdale told the media on Thursday that Gilbey was in light training but clearly didn’t do enough to make the squad this past weekend.
Expect an update to be provided later this week when Tisdale meets with the media to preview the visit of Lincoln City. The manager should also speak on the conditions of Baily Cargill, Jordan Moore-Taylor and George Williams who are amongst the others sidelined.
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It's second versus first at Stadium MK on Saturday as MK Dons take on league-leaders Lincoln City.
Tickets for Under-12s are completely FREE while Season Ticket holders can bring a friend for FREE. Elsewhere, tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
Please note, Season Ticket holders looking to bring a friend for FREE must purchase in person or over the phone.
