Liam Manning’s men produced one of their highest scoring games, away against the Railway men. They also secured their place in the knock-out stages of the Papa John’s trophy, and Mo Eisa claims his 50th career goal.
Papa John’s Trophy progression:
Due to other results within the group, an MK Dons victory over Wycombe Wanderers would ensure that the Dons claim their placement in the knock-out stages of the competition.
Liam Manning made ten changes to his side, which saw to Brooklyn Ilunga receiving his full debut against the Chariboys.
Hiram Boateng opened the scoring. An intelligent counterattack from Liam Manning’s men resulted in Mo Eisa linking up well with Tennai Watson’s overlap, so that the right-back could fire in a cross to Boateng, who placed the ball into the net.
Wycombe equalised shortly after, mimicking the goal at the away end. Conor Parson’s cross into the box located Jason McCarthy, who scored the equaliser.
Soon after the game was drawn level, Zak Jules scored his first goal of the season. McEachran crossed the ball into the box from a free-kick, which Jules’ volley connected with beautifully, this allowed the number four to score an incredible winner.
Although Liam Manning’s men suffered defeat to Aston Villa’s U21’s later that month, the two victories prior were sufficient to see the Dons progress into the knock-out stages.
Three points at the DW Stadium:
MK Dons travelled to the DW Stadium, where the team collected three points. A great comeback after suffering defeat previously to Shrewsbury Town.
Although the Latics gained the lead within the first 25 minutes of the match, the Dons displayed their resilience and determination to reward themselves with a well-earned victory.
Peter Kioso levelled the game after he headed home Daniel Harvie’s cross, not only did Harvie produce the assist, but he was also instrumental in the winning goal of the game.
The left-back’s low-driven ball across the opponent’s box deflected off Ben Amos, who diverted the ball into the back of Wigan’s net. A strong display from the team which brought home the victory.
Four past the Railway men:
Although MK Dons had suffered their first set of back-to-back defeats, Liam Manning’s men sought out for redemption when they travelled to the Mornflake Stadium.
Mo Eisa started the game off by scoring his 50th career goal, the Dons lead 1-0 going into the break. Soon after half-time Crewe levelled the score line, Chris Long was their goal scorer.
Matt O’Riley then repossessed the lead, with a superbly guided finish past Jaaskelainen. Peter Kioso doubled the lead with his right-footed strike that crashed into the net, before Max Watters finalised the scoring, which granted the team one of their highest scoring victories in their 2021/2022 campaign, an incredible way to round off the month of October.
