MK Dons played their second practice match in the space of 24 hours as preparations for the 2020/21 campaign continued at Stadium MK.
Russell Martin’s side, who faced Norwich City on Friday afternoon, entertained Coventry City in an entertaining and spirited encounter.
The Sky Blues came out on top 3-2 thanks to a brace from Matty Godden and Callum O’Hara, with young forward Jay Bird getting on target for the Dons alongside a Kyle McFadzean own goal.
Martin named himself in the starting line-up, which had been rotated following the practice match with Norwich City just 23 hours prior.
The young Dons XI were faced with a stern test against a strong Coventry City outfit, who took the lead just three minutes in through their top goalscorer from last season, Matty Godden.
Martin’s side, however, proved more than a match for their Championship opponents, and enjoyed large spells of possession, while dealing with most of the Sky Blues’ attacks.
They were breached again, though, on 29 minutes – Callum O’Hare with the finish, which Walker almost managed to keep out down to his right.
The Dons were rewarded for their positive approach with a goal to reduce the deficit with five minutes remaining in the first half.
Bird, playing out of position at right wing-back, won possession deep inside the Coventry half before moving into the box and curling a delightful left-footed shot into the top corner of the Sky Blues net.
Coventry were able to restore their two-goal advantage in the final minute of the half – Godden finishing off after picking the ball up inside the Dons box.
When the Dons returned for the second period, their side was much-changed and featured much more recognisable faces such as Lee Nicholls, Dean Lewington, Jordan Houghton and Ben Gladwin among others.
They went about restoring parity but found City goalkeeper Wilson in inspired form – he denied Sam Nombe twice in quick succession before getting down well to keep out a Houghton header shortly after.
Martin’s men were finally able to pull another goal back with just over quarter of an hour left to play. A well-worked move from left to right resulted in Poole delivering a low cross for Gladwin, who would have had a simple tap-in if not for ex-Don Kyle McFadzean inadvertently sliding the ball into his own net.
The Dons continued to search for a leveller but were unable to find another route through a stubborn City backline.
While the game ended in defeat, it was another 90 minutes of work for Martin’s side who are now just two weeks away from their first competitive encounter of the new season – ironically, against Coventry City.
Starting XI: Walker (Nicholls 46), Bird (Poole 46), Thompson (Trialist 60), Martin (Lewington 46), Davies (Cargill 46), Sorinola (Black 69), Bailey (Kasumu 46), Freeman (Houghton 46), Boateng (Gladwin 46), Jallow (Nombe 46), Morris (B Trialist 69).
Unused subs: Rowley
Goals: Bird (40), McFadzean O.G. (73)
