mkdons.com looks at the five main talking points from Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Yeovil Town at Stadium MK...
Dons back up to third
MK Dons climbed back into the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion places courtesy of their division-best 13th home win of the campaign.
Paul Tisdale’s men are now three points clear of fourth-placed Mansfield Town, who were beaten 2-1 at home to Crewe Alexandra. They also managed to close the gap on Bury, who are second, after they were held to a goalless draw by Grimsby Town - the Shakers do have a game in hand.
There is still plenty of football left to play this term but the Dons head into the final seven games in a commanding position.
Aneke’s stunning solo goal
Chuks Aneke stole the headlines at the weekend with his terrific solo strike to seal the points with seven minutes to play.
Aneke collected a flick on from Hesketh just inside the Yeovil half before carrying the ball deep into the penalty area and finishing cooly past Glovers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter.
It was the striker’s 18th goal of the campaign and his 16th in the league, which makes this his most successful season in front of goal to date. He is now fifth in the division’s top goalscorer list, two behind teammate Kieran Agard, who sits third.
Aneke tweeted “Best one yet” after the game although some supporters still believe his finish at Peterborough United during the 2016/17 was the better finish. What do you think? Let us know on Twitter!
Harley on target
Ryan Harley marked his return to the starting XI with a goal and a positive performance on Saturday.
The midfielder has been limited to just four starts this season due to injury but has managed to find the net in two of those appearances, including his calm and collected finish against the Glovers.
Tis, who signed Harley from Exeter City this summer, will be hoping the experienced 34-year-old can continue to play a role between now and the end of the season.
Fingers crossed on Gilbey
Saturday’s win didn’t come without a cost, as the Dons lost midfielder Alex Gilbey to injury early in the first half.
The midfielder limped off on 15 minutes, moments after Ryan Harley’s opening goal, and boss Paul Tisdale didn’t have an update on his condition when he met with the media post-match.
Gilbey has been ever-present for the Dons this term, featuring in all 39 league matches to date.
The manager should provide an update on Gilbey when he speaks again on Thursday, prior to this weekend’s trip to Forest Green Rovers.
Clean sheet number 16
While most of the credit will go to Ryan Harley and Chuks Aneke for their goals on Saturday, a mention must be made to the defence who kept their first shut-out in five games, taking their total for the season to 16.
That equals the Club’s third-best season totals from the 2008/09 and 2011/12 campaigns. They need a further four to tie the second-best tally of 20 from the 2007/08 and 2012/13 terms.
