Mid table side Bristol Rovers will be welcomed by on form Lincoln City this weekend. The visitors are currently are looking upwards at The Imps but with one game in hand, they will be desperate to close the gap to five points on their hosts with a positive result at at Sincil Bank.
Rovers form in their last 11 games has been a mixed bag with four wins, one draw and six losses. Bristol Rovers have scored 48 and conceded 52 this season.
Rovers will have one familiar face for Imps fans in striker John Marquis, who scored on his Lincoln debut against Plymouth Argyle last season in January. He didn’t make much impact last season for The Imps, scoring just five goals in 20 appearances. Marquis may not receive a great reception considering and Lincoln defenders will hope to keep him quiet as the striker will be looking to get his revenge.
Another connection is Rovers manager Mathew Taylor, who had an unsuccessful in 2003. He will know the history of Lincoln City and will be hoping to prove a point that they were wrong not sign him back in the day.
Rovers players to watch are ex-Derby striker Chris Martin and Anthony Evans former Paderborn and Everton midfielder] making 16 goal contributions each, Martin has scored most goals of 15 and Anthony Evans provided eight assists and scored eight this season.
Rovers are expected to be without key player Brandon Aguilera but due to his injuries and has only played three times since he joined on loan from Nottingham Forest.
My thoughts are that Rovers are capable of creating chances with Scott Sinclair and Anthony Evans involved. With Lincoln expected to be favourites, Rovers will need to put on a potential defensive master class to stop Lincoln’s momentum and high tempo.
Lincoln
Lincoln have been on a great streek of 11 games unbeaten run an will be hoping to further extend this after destroying Barnsley (5-1) and Cambridge (6-0) in recent fixtures. The Imps are aiming for promotion glory this season and the fans are now expectant that they can reach the Playoffs..
Lincoln has one of the best defensive in League One this season, conceding just 33 goals with leaders Portsmouth only having less [32].
Lincoln players to watch include Jack Moylan because he has scored 4 goals in the last 2 matches and will constantly get game time. It is very tough to choose a player to watch for Lincoln due to their very good form but I’m going to go with Joey Taylor, the Lincoln loanee.
Lincoln don’t have any new injury problems other than striker Ben House and long term absentee Connor McGrandles.
My thoughts are that Lincoln should expect a little tougher challenge than their previous two games. Bristol Rovers should create one or two chances and will need to change their tempo during the game as visitors. My prediction for the game will be 2-1 to Lincoln with Rovers giving their best efforts.
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Milton Keynes Dons came back at the death to snatch a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at home to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, keeping them well inside the Play off places and on the right tracks for a promotion push come May.
With the Transfer windows finished for the rest of the season and the squads all but locked in place, how does Mike Williamson’s team look going into the final four months?
The first big move inside Stadium MK came when there was a change between the posts.
Having moved on goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray to Stevenage on loan and recruited Filip Marschall from Aston Villa to replace, Williamson is building the nucleus of ball-playing players he can call upon.
Making the tough choice to change the man between the sticks, it is an early statement to make, yet the statistics are there to vindicate his decision.
The 30-year-old who only joined in the Summer from Burton Albion, averaged 39 touches of the ball in possession, but in comparison averaged five more long balls/clearances per 90 minutes to his predecessor from the last two seasons, Jamie Cumming.
With a success rate of just 29% when a pass in attempted beyond 30 yards, it means he loses the ball on three or four more occasions than Cumming.
When it is the keeper giving the ball away in a possession-based system, it usually means that the passes are closer to the goal, rather than halfway inside the opposition half.
Conceding the ball with the proximity closer to goal is going to lead to the recruitment looking at alternatives.
This is not to say MacGillivray underperformed, in his 24 league games, there was only one error which led to a goal, and his xGA, expected goals against, for the season sits at 29.8, yet 31 goals were shipped, meaning he has conceded more than statistically he should have for League Two.
What are the Dons getting in Marschall, that they were not from MacGillivray? The loanee, ten years junior, is highly regarded within the Aston Villa youth academy and enjoyed two fruitful loan spells at Gateshead under the stewardship of his current head coach, Mike Williamson.
His development has seen a sharp rise, to the position of number two and understudy on the bench to Emilio Martinez, World Cup winner last campaign with Argentina.
Being able to call upon such a seasoned professional as his teammate to learn from can only have stood the youngster in good stead. Marschall has this season also started for the Villains in UEFA Conference League action when they beat HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in December.
For Milton Keynes to be able to call upon such a prospect in fourth tier football, it can be considered quite a coup and highlights how well trusted the head coach Williamson is by those higher in the football pyramid.
Since his arrival, Marschall has played in five matches and not looked completely at ease with what is being asked of him. Conceding in a poor fashion in three of his five games has not endeared him to the supporters as he would have initially hoped.
When you appear unable to command your penalty area and look uncomfortable with the ball at your feet, it is certainly not the ideal recipe for a successful goal keeper.
The youngster has a lot to work on and to flourish he will be dependant on a number of solid displays, which need to come fast.
Williamson has also recruited two players he has previously worked with at Gateshead, Kyren Lofthouse and Stephen Wearne.
The former, a wing back by trade arrived at Stadium MK on loan from Barnsley and was thrown into the deep end for his debut, starting away at Tranmere despite being named amongst the substitutes.
It was only when Ethan Robson suffered an injury, as the teams lined up in the tunnel. In his opening five matches, the youngster has started three and came off the bench against vociferous rivals AFC Wimbledon for an injured Cameron Norman.
His most recent performance, at home against Accrington Stanley saw him pick up the Man of the match award as he was an ever-present threat to the visiting defence.
Excluding his display against Stanley, the early signs have shown that there is pace to burn in attacking areas, taking control the ball as wide as possible and targeting the opposing player, running directly towards the penalty area before cutting back to a midfielder, creating an overlap for the roaming playmakers in the side like as Daniel Kemp and Jack Payne to provide crosses, or play the pass back inside around the box for onrushing players to shoot.
What Dons fans will be hoping is that there can also be more of an end product, seeing assists off his crosses, something Norman was not able to produce, hence the recruitment of Lofthouse.
In his 25 matches so far this season, Norman only managed to assist three goals.
In a team dependant on the wing backs to create opportunities and be a major factor within the attacking third, a better outlay is imperative.
For contrast, the options for the left wing back birth are Daniel Harvie and Joe Tomlinson. Between the pair, they have amassed eight goals and five assists.
Credit: MK Citizen
Wearne, a central midfielder who has had spells inside the football league before dropping to Gateshead where he shined in recent months.
Having arrived at MK with a niggle that has seen him side-lined since Boxing Day, it was off the bench that he made his debut, at home to Gillingham, coming on for the final quarter of an hour.
He then followed this with another substitute display, again at home, this time to Accrington Stanley two weeks later.
The fans inside Stadium MK are only beginning to see what Wearne can produce on the football pitch and given the embers displayed so far, there appears to be a lot of positives.
In addition to the three aforementioned, Williamson has seen Lewis Bate, a combative central midfielder arrived through to door on loan from Leeds United for the remainder of the campaign.
Having spent last season on loan at Oxford United and featuring in 28 games, he was kept in and around the Leeds first team by Daniel Farke when he joined in the Summer. After failing to breakthrough and stamp his mark on the pitch at Elland Road, the 21-year-old moved to Buckinghamshire, supposedly turning down offers with clubs in League One, to join a club lower in the football pyramid, but one which mirrors his desired style of play more closely.
With his contract expiring in five months’ time and with his parent club showing no desires at extending, the remaining 20 games of the current campaign could well be an active audition at securing something more permanent at Stadium MK.
With wingers Jonathan Leko and Ashley Hunter departing Stadium MK in the week, the make-up and depth that Williamson is looking for in his squad has all but finished in taking shape.
Adding on deadline day Emre Tezgel on loan from Stoke City, a young and promising forward to their ranks counters the departure at the eleventh-hour of Mo Eisa to Exeter City.
Also to depart was Conor Grant. With Grant failing to make a matchday squad since New Years’ Day and making just the eleven appearances all season, it was no surprise that the club and player both felt their trade was better plied elsewhere.
What may be a shock was that the midfielder rose up a division, moving to League One Barnsley, with the option of making the move permanent in the coming summer.
With an abundance of options across the pitch, Williamson should not find himself delving into the free agency market with a settled squad looking to keep their promotion push on the right tracks.
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]]>Milton Keynes Dons are continuing to carry on the momentum and feel-good-factor inside Stadium MK, securing nine points out of a possible nine over the festive period, despite the awful calendar year fans have had to endure.
Three managers, 54 players used, 60 goals scored, 61 goals shipped, a relegation and three failed cup campaigns. It really does not make the prettiest of reading.
The shoots are there for what both might have been, but also where it could be even worse.
For starters, the Dons were one point away from playing Championship football in 2023, but after narrowly missing out on getting promoted in the 2021-22 season, they stayed in League One and the unthinkable occurred 12 months later, going from the top of the league table to the bottom and sliding down the pyramid to tier four.
In their plummet, the Dons amassed a meagre 24 points from 23 matches and only secured one win in their final nine games of the season, sealing their fate.
The performances were a lightyear off those that had come in the previous season.
With the head coach having the rug pulled from under him and being replaced by Graham Alexander, the Dons saw an overhaul in the style and setup in which they play, going from a progressive possession-based to one more structured and disciplined, to fit the mould in which Alexander likes to play.
To call the football negative would be unfair, but individuals are now more adept to building out from the back, passing out of danger to evade pressure in tight spaces, than going route one as their initial modus operandi.
So those players brought into Stadium MK alongside those already in the building had to quickly alter and curb their natural instincts to meet their managers’ demands.
This saw the departure of all the loanees and several key personnel following the relegation and the Dons recruited a mixture of experience and youth, those which Alexander felt he could sculpt to player the desired tactic.
It soon became apparent that this was not working and with his side sitting 17th in the League Two table, the Scotsman fell on his sword, quickly replaced by Mike Williamson, becoming the third hotseat incumbent in just 15 games.
Ripping up the Alexander handbook and returning the Dons to their possession style, known locally as “the MK way”, the former Newcastle centre back has overseen ten matches, gaining 23 points from a possible 30.
Winning seven, drawing two and losing just one, his first, one day after joining and with no chance of a single training session with his new side under his belt.
This upturn in form has the Buckinghamshire outfit sitting safely inside the Play off places with eyes on catching those higher.
The rare moments of success and highs were quickly tempered the realism of where they currently sit in the football pyramid, but you do have to celebrate and embrace any shining lights that come your way.
Whilst the lows are too many to mention, the positives in the first half of the calendar year were less than regular, the obvious place which to start the celebratory remarks is with the club captain, stalwart and overriding fans’ favourite, Dean Lewington.
The 39-year-old celebrated the record for breaking the EFL record appearances for one side, amassing 771, with the Boxing Day win over Colchester United breaking the milestone.
Having made his debut under Stewart Murdoch in 2004, to equal the record with his 770th appearance 19 years’ later against Morecambe, where Murdoch now works as a scout.
Before the game at home to Crawley Town three days later, Lewington was presented with an award by EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch and MK Chairman Pete Winkelman to mark the achievement and both sets of players gave the defender a guard of honour.
With the previous record standing for 43 years, it is one whereby the watermark left by Lewington is higher than will be achievable in the modern game.
With the game being more fluid in terms of transfers, less and less players are spending their careers at just one side.
In terms of closeness to Lewington from the current crop of players, Alan Browne of Preston North End, currently has 356 appearances to his name, and with him being 28, he would have to play every match for the next nine seasons just to catch, and that’s without Lewington adding to his tally which he looks set to do just that for a while to come.
Credit: Alistair Marriott
The other positive lights appear to be the development of striker Max Dean and the successful integration of the new head coach in Mike Williamson.
Having mentioned above the pace at which Williamson has hit the ground running, it has been aided immeasurably by the emergence of the 19-year-old.
Having scored six goals and assisted once since the change of leadership, his attacking threat has been a fulcrum and an ever-present under the new regime.
Along with midfielders Alex Gilbey and Jack Payne, the trio have formed an excellent partnership, with the pair assisting all of Dean’s goals and Dean’s assist being for Gilbey.
The shoots are beginning to grow under the new leadership and the Dons will be hoping that how they ended 2023 will be exactly what carries into 2024.
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]]>Milton Keynes Dons are having a stellar festive period and show no signs of slowly down as they saw off Colchester United in a laboured-yet-determined fashion, running out 1-0 victors.
Having put Morecambe to the sword on their own ground with a ruthless 1-3 away win, the Dons then turned their attention to Colchester, under the management of Matthew Etherington and the visitor’s performance belied their lowly position toward the foot of the League table, showing glimpses of real quality, offering up a more than stern test.
It took to the second half and the dying embers of the match for the pressure to finally tell.
Coming out of the interval the game flowed better than the opening salvo’s and having survived a couple of scares along the path, MK unleased a barrage of chances, carving open one chance after another but found themselves facing Owen Goodman in goal for the U’s, making a hatful of wondrous saves to deny the attacking frontline.
Despite the final onslaught more resembling a training ground scenario of attack vs defence, Colchester managed to withstand and repel until the 89th minute when substitute Ellis Harrison bundled home from close range to earn the spoils.
The match also marked Dean Lewington’s 771st club appearance, breaking a 43-year-old record held by John Trollope, and one which come to the time the legendary defender does hang up his boots, given the lack of permanency in modern-day football, may never be broken.
At kick off, the fans revealed a banner saying “Then. Now. Forever.” In honour of the captain and club stalwart.
771 games for one team, across 20 years shows incredible fitness, determination, and drive to maintain the skill required to play at one of the highest levels in the English football pyramid.
Credit: DonsAction
With two hard-fought victories from the two games of the bumper Christmas football calendar completed, Mike Williamson, will be hoping to continue the momentum as they face Crawley Town and Doncaster Rovers within the next six days.
Williamson, in his first football league managerial stint since cutting his teeth at Gateshead, has hit the ground running, and is looking to carry on game-after-game.
They are not only limiting the chances the opposition are having per game, dropping from an average of 8.6 shots on target, to 4.7.
This even takes into consideration two matches which were real thrillers, ending 3-2 and 4-2 against Swindon Town and Salford City respectively.
With the 40-year-old able to call upon his Premier League experience, alongside his coaching pedigree, he and his backroom staff have seen an immediate affect as they have improved the abilities of his defenders, raised the cohesion and the defensive structure of his squad each week.
If you are not conceding as many shots, you are not conceding as many goals.
One of the other contributary factors of this has been that because the Dons are controlling more possession than before it means that the production levels have increased too.
Under the previous leadership of Graham Alexander, the Dons failed to produce anything of substance, threw away several positive positions and fundamentally looked weak in terms of the level of play.
Using Alexander’s last game in charge, at home to Barrow, the Dons were winning 2-0 in the 93rd minute and somehow contrived to draw, 2-2.
They only mustered 38% possession throughout the match and managed just five attempts to score also.
Conceding 62% of the ball, at home, allowing a whopping 18 chances in the game and then capitulating in the final seconds emphasised the lack of structure, leadership and understanding at what was being asked of them under the previous regime.
Fast forward 11 weeks, and the picture paints a different story.
Having to face just three attempts, controlling 66% of the possession and unleashing a season-high 27 shots, it is to no surprise that the Dons came out on top.
Under Alexander, it may well have been a different result, with the hosts not coming out on top, possibly succumbing at the very death.
It is clear the fundamental areas in which the change of leadership at Stadium MK has born fruit.
Looking ahead to the new year, the recruitment team within Stadium MK will know the areas they need to look at improving and which players to look at shipping out.
Strengthening the squad depth, as apposed to recruiting players to the starting eleven will be the number one priority.
Using the strike force as an example, the Dons have Max Dean, Mo Eisa, Matthew Dennis, and Ellis Harrison.
Whilst it is one which a lot of other sides would be envious for, the system that Williamson chooses to operate with may negatively affect that selection of player.
Playing just one up top in a 4-2-3-1 formation, you could argue that the depth may be bloated.
However, Harrison and Dennis are more used to playing a differing style, one that is less possession orientated and more direct.
Whilst it is a good issue to have, there a several players throughout the ranks that are more accustomed to playing less-possessive system.
It is likely that Liam Sweeting, the Technical Director, will be looking to move on the likes of Tommy Smith and Anthony Stewart from their central defensive options and look to offer an avenue for their Irish midfield contingent in Dawson Devoy and Darragh Burns a chance to get minutes into their legs, which is currently not available given their head coach’s desire to play others ahead.
With the Christmas fixture list halfway through and six points collected from a possible six, it would have been the perfect present for Williamson to unwrap.
If his troops can make it 12 out of 12, his New Years’ wishes will have come true too!
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]]>Mike Williamson has really turned around the fortunes of Milton Keynes Dons in the early days of his tenure, despite barely getting his feet under the table, having been in the hot seat for only a matter of weeks.
Since his arrival, the Dons have won four out of their seven league games, with two draws coming and the solitary loss was on the road to Accrington Stanley, his first game, and that came after just one day in charge.
“With a pragmatic approach it is either black or white, whereas, with a progressive and positive style of play, fans can see shoots and signs of progression if they are there, earning the managerial incumbent longer to prove their mettle”
What has the 40-year-old targeted to gain the initial “new manager bounce” that all chairmen and supporters wish for after a change?
Firstly, there was the return to a style of football that became known in Buckinghamshire as “the MK Way”.
When Karl Robinson took over in 2010, the then-young manager making his first foray into management prioritised a possession-based style, which immediately won over the fanbase and saw relative success.
Ever since, supporters have always had a penchant for seeing their team play in a positive-yet-possessive manner.
Throughout the years at Stadium MK, Chairman and Owner Pete Winkelman has employed managers and head coaches who fit these exact criteria, but on two occasions the mould was thrown out of the window with the tenures of Robbie Neilson and most recently Graham Alexander.
Both received the sack in rather tumultuous circumstances; Neilson’s players arguing with the fanbase after a loss and Alexander blaming everyone and everything but himself for the horrific run of results all inside Stadium MK had to endure.
A pragmatic style of football will always have a place in the professional game, but most supporters up and down the country want instantaneous success at their clubs. If it is not winning, it is not working.
With a pragmatic approach it is either black or white, whereas, with a progressive and positive style of play, fans can see shoots and signs of progression if they are there, earning the managerial incumbent longer to prove their mettle and more of an opportunity to try out different dynamics in their squad.
In the Dons’ most recent two home league outings against Grimsby Town and Forest Green Rovers, it was one of the first real tests against sides with a similar philosophy.
Grimsby, under the stewardship of David Artell, matched fire with fire and put on a footballing clinic.
Passing with purpose and attacking in numbers, rather than one or two going on lonesome forays, the Mariners were both good for and deserved of their half time lead.
Led by their captain, striker Danny Rose, the away side seemed galvanised in Artell’s first match in charge, looking anything but a side entering the contest with just one victory from their last nine matches.
The Dons looked lethargic by comparison to their counterparts, however you could argue it was more a case of Grimsby outplaying the hosts, seeing as they managed to scupper any attempts by Williamson’s men to create anything of substance in the final third.
It was almost as though a switch was flicked on the hour-mark as the Dons took over the ascendancy.
Sitting in a losing 1-0 score line with just half an hour to go, Milton Keynes bundled home an equaliser through midfielder Jack Payne and this led to Williamson immediately rolling the dice.
Having sacrificed a centre back to employ an extra striker, the hosts began to turn the screw and build heavy pressure.
It was in the fifth minute of five added that MK squandered a gilt-edged chance, the best of the match. The goal was gaping for striker Mo Eisa to make the net bulge, only to skew his attempt wide of the post with barely seconds left.
For either of the two sides to come away empty-handed would have been very unjust.
Although across the ninety minutes it was the visitors who performed the best and played the more fluid football, it was the Dons who had the best opportunities and can be left to rue what might have been.
In their match against Forest Green Rovers, it followed a break of over two weeks and that only appeared to breath a positive, refreshed air on the pitch.
The Dons were sharper, quicker to second balls and looked far more efficient in possession than the visitors.
It only took 21 minutes for striker Max Dean to fire home a clinical finish before the lead was doubled on the hour through Jack Payne, both strikes from just inside the penalty area and their dominance duly showed as they ran out 2-0 victors.
Having both fallen out of the third tier following relegation last term, it is the Buckinghamshire outfit that have taken up the challenge of getting out of League Two at the first time of asking with greater aplomb.
Despite both following a similar recruitment policy with respect to adding several experienced players to their ranks, it was the Dons who also signed up a couple of developing talents, one being winger Joe Tomlinson and their fluid, more creative abilities came to the fore.
Rovers lacked the creativity to really trouble the Dons defence and relied on set pieces for openings, which in the end did not muster.
It was a good, solid three points for the Dons and one they can really build on going into the hectic Christmas and New Year fixture congestion.
Across the two displays, MK the head coach Williamson can really see what he has been working on coming to fruition.
Having dominated one game and deserved three points in the other, the performances will be pleasing on both the eye and table as his side continue to creep upwards and on just two points outside of the Play off places, all whilst having two games in hand over several of the opponents.
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]]>MK Dons put managerless Bradford City to the sword on Tuesday night, running 4-1 victors to give Mike Williamson his first three points as head coach.
It was the side from Buckinghamshire’s most potent display of the season to date and will lift fans spirits greatly.
Mike Williamson’s arrival at Stadium MK and his first foray in front of the home supporters was like a breath of fresh air, as his side gave arguably one of the best displays in the last three seasons.
The side look rejuvenated, unshackled, and eager to get onto the front foot, somewhat in stark contrast to what was on display under the previous managerial regime of Graham Alexander.
Goals from Joe Tomlinson, Jack Payne, Max Dean and Alex Gilbey sealed the three points and gave the Bantams little chances in the 90 minutes.
If the game versus Bradford City can provide anything to read in to, the days of lethargic and monotonous route one football have been abandoned, opening the door for playing through the phases and seemingly passing with purpose.
Off the ball the intensity of defence has increased and there appears a determination to win back the ball, energetically pressing and harrying the opposing defenders.
Having only had three days on the training field with his new players, you would be hard-pressed to expect a complete turnaround in style and pattern so quickly, after all it is just the second game in after just seven days in the role, but it is obvious to all in attendance that the hard work is beginning to sprout roots and that is all Williamson could wish for.
For those recruited to the football club in the last twelve months, it will spell positives for most players, but for a select few, question how often they will take to the field at Stadium MK.
Whilst Williamson’s arrival will see players such as Conor Grant and Ethan Robson breathe a huge sigh of relief, Anthony Stewart and Ellis Harrison may not share the same level of enthusiasm.
Players spend their careers on the football pitch, yet off the field every performance gets dissected, and under the microscope the method, or style which they are more suited to individually is a tag which tends to stick.
Taking Anthony Stewart for example, having been a stalwart for Wycombe Wanderers under Gareth Ainsworth, whose Chairboys were never a team that attempted to play on the floor, work the ball around the pitch, carving opportunities.
They built their success and consistency on being a more pragmatic, robust outfit that were happy to concede possession and not worry about having 400 passes a match, simply put, just making the result the most important.
“Winning ugly” became a mantra for Alexander and Stewart was a perfect player to fit and operate in his mould.
Having left Wycombe and moved over the border to Aberdeen, who operate a similar style to the Milton Keynes, Stewart just could not break the mould and was quickly shipped out after just 20 displays.
Having found himself in MK, he must now either reinvent himself or find that he could be in the cold.
Striker Ellis Harrison, recruited for his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, after a prolific spell for League One Port Vale, dropped down a division as he moved south to the Dons.
Having scored just once since joining, it was not the return the powerful forward had wished for, and as a player not known for his possession-retention ability, his days as a number nine in a Williamson-led Dons outfit could be sparse to say the least.
Under a new leadership team no place in the side is guaranteed and for those who stepped in for their first starts in recent weeks, they took the opportunity to showcase what they can add, giving Williamson a positive selection headache.
Upon taking the job and looking at what the previous three head coaches had selected, he may have questioned why all of those did not see Conor Grant as a player they could rely on.
Yet, after being brought back in from the cold to make only his second appearance and first start of the campaign, the Irishman did not let his new coach down.
Winning seven of his 9 duels he competed for and making numerous key passes in the first half, Grant let his football do the talking.
He and his new head coach will be hoping that this was more than just a one time display.
The Dons will not have to wait long for their next chance to play to keep the momentum building and confidence growing as they host Swindon Town on Saturday.
If they pick up at the weekend exactly where they ended against Bradford, that can only spell good things for the supporters of Milton Keynes.
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]]>Captain, leader, legend – repeat. In a weekend filled with heart-racing drama, Paul Huntington enjoyed more EFL Play-Off success, this time with his boyhood club.
Just over eight years ago to the day, Paul Huntington played a pivotal role in Preston North End’s promotion under the Wembley arch as they demolished Swindon Town. Nearly a decade later, and he’s now leading Carlisle United to the same fate as they ran out Play-Off winners against Stockport County on penalties.
After neither side could find a winner, a score line of 1-1 led to the second Play-Off penalty shootout in consecutive days. And whilst Huntington would’ve preferred to win in similar fashion to his last visit to Wembley where he scored North End’s second on the day in a 4-0 hammering, he would’ve enjoyed the aftermath just as much.
In a squad that’s littered with passion and strong, experienced characters, Carlisle United came from behind to equalise with just minutes left to play at the home of football as Omari Patrick slotted home to send the Carlisle fans into ruptures.
It’s also a squad which Huntington’s former side, Preston know all too well. The squad contains the likes of Joe Garner – a name which will raise a smile of every Preston North End fan’s face, Jack Armer – a boyhood Preston fan and graduate of the Lilywhites’ academy, and then the manager, Paul Simpson – who previously left Carlisle to join North End back in 2004.
Speaking to Carlisle’s official website, Huntington said: “What a feeling. This is the best place to win. I’ve managed to do it here a couple of times now and I’m just trying to soak it all in.
“I’m a lot older now than when I came with Preston and I’ve just thanked the manager then for bringing me back.
“I had a quick look at the odds before the game and we weren’t really fancied, people were saying that Stockport were the favourites and that’s fine with us. But we’re in League One. We’ll enjoy this moment and the next few days and then we’ll be looking to get even better for next year.
“We’ve practised penalties for the past few weeks and to be fair, they’ve been class. Taylor’s (Charter) the hero and I’m just delighted for him, delighted for the lads and just what an occasion and what a place to do it.”
Affectionally known as ‘Hunts’ and the ‘Cumbrian Cannavaro’, the Carlisle skipper would’ve felt this promotion more than most as he lifted the trophy on the biggest stage for his local side following the penalty win.
“When I found out we was on the West side of the Stadium I must’ve text all my Preston friends and family because I’ve been on the other side and lost as a young 19 year old and now been on this side twice and won twice.
“It means a lot. Being from the city and the buzz that we’ve created as a group with the manager – this is what it’s about.”
Huntington also described an emotional moment when lifting the trophy.
“I said to Morgan (Feeney) ‘you lift it’ and he said ‘no, we’ll do it together’ which was nice. I think Coldplay was playing and I could see my daughter, so it set me off a bit so hopefully the cameras didn’t catch that.
“But it’s been a while since I’ve played in league one, 2015 for me but I think that’s where we should be. We have to tie down our better players in the summer and add to it and then we’ll go again with the right guy in charge who’s not just a top manager or coach, he’s a top person who’s loved here.”
And finally when asked what it’s like to captain the club he supports and where he’s from, the centre half couldn’t speak highly enough of the Cumbrian club.
“I can’t even put it into words. We got a ‘Cumbrians picture’ before and the amount of people I knew in the stands, I was just trying to soak it in. But seeing all those familiar faces, I just hope some of them are celebrating with us tonight because it’s going to be some party.”
Whilst there’s possibly a summer testimonial awaiting Paul Huntington back in Lancashire after reaching a decade of service for North End before moving to Carlisle, he’ll be sure to be spending a few weeks celebrating in Cumbria first. At 35 years of age, putting a bit of cramp aside, Huntington still looks like he could play for years as he headed absolutely everything away on a memorable trip to the capital.
At a near deserted Brunton Park, Paul Huntington, who has captained his home city club to Wembley, shares a moment with his young family in the centre circle #cufc pic.twitter.com/BWFUxVWt2m
— Jon Colman (@joncolman) May 20, 2023
But in two successful Wembley trips, Paul Huntington has now wrote himself into two scriptures of football history and will forever be a legend at Brunton Park.
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Mo Eisa’s brace saw Milton Keynes Dons continue their undefeated run, yet, they must feel deflated in their push to stave off relegation after drawing 2-2 at home against Cheltenham Town, seeing the visitors rally to secure an equaliser in the 97th minute.
Having seen Cambridge United defeat their bitter rivals Peterborough United in the early kick-off to bring them within two points, the pressure to get some form of points return in their clash intensified.
Mo Eisa scored both goals as the Dons recovered from an early setback through a calamitous Jamie Cumming error gifting Town the opener.
It is hard to criticise Cumming too heavily, but it is fair to note he does have the occasional mistake in his game, having notably let the ball slip through his fingers at home to Sheffield Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.
For every mistake the Chelsea loanee has made, he has covered himself in glory and that happened a little over an hour later.
When Cheltenham were awarded a penalty, Alfie May stepped up and put the ball high into the corner of the goal, only for Cumming to produce a world-class save, atoning fully for his earlier blunder.
With virtually the final kick of the game, Alfie May prodded home an equaliser with just seconds remaining, see the shares spoiled in a dramatic match which had two almost everything!
With just a handful of points left to play for and Jackson’s men sitting precariously in 19th position, just three points above the parapet, it is more crucial than ever that the small margins continue to turn in their favour, given the wretched luck the Dons have had with injuries this campaign.
Lengthy absences through injury have badly hampered the Dons in their attempts to beat their drop, seeing their only left back Daniel Harvie out for the rest of the season with a torn calf muscle, first-choice centre back Warren O’Hora remain side-lined and January acquisition Sullay Kaikai also a prominent visitor to the treatment room for the majority of the remaining four fixtures.
Having to play a centre back at left wing back is far from ideal at the best of times, let alone when you are fighting for your lives come April and May.
One thing that can carry Mark Jackson’s men through the crucial back end of the campaign is their recent form as they turned into the final furlongs of the season.
Six matches unbeaten and confidence at the highest point it has been all season, the omens for squad positivity cannot get into a much better position, given their predicament.
Who could the Dons look at in the hope of sealing their fortunes in a positive manner?
The upturn in the form of Conor Grant has been a huge revelation and Anthony Stewart coming back into the fold has meant the Buckinghamshire outfit now can depend on the wealth of experience between Stewart and Captain Dean Lewington, who boast over 1,000 league appearances under their belts.
The Dons seem to have resolved the centre of midfield and improved their solidity in the heart of defence, but the left back position still is a standout area of concern.
From the defence to further up the field, the goals may not be free-flowing and if you do not score, you do not win.
Having only scored 14 in their last 13 games, matches are never killed off or put to bed which is such a contrast to the previous season with matches occasionally won by half-time, all bar the shouting.
Given the dominance the hosts showed over Cheltenham, the scoreline should have been out of sight going into injury time, not sitting on a knife edge and, as it proved in the end, not safe enough.
There can be a slight positive to their survival hopes.
Whilst results from around the League may not have gone in the Dons’ favour, the run in is looking rather favourable to that of those around them as the Dons only have one major test that could prove a bridge too far, at home against Barnsley.
Having to host Charlton Athletic before travelling to Fleetwood Town and Burton Albion, it very much could be in their own hands, unless any unforeseen slip ups see the trip to the Pirelli Stadium on 7th May carry more jeopardy than hoped.
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]]>MK Dons have turned what seemed to be a disastrous season with relegation inevitable into one which is ending with shoots of positivity, given their performances throughout March and into early April.
By no means are they out of the threat of relegation, sitting precariously only three points outside the drop zone with six games left to play, but having dragged themselves out of the mire, where at one point they were 23rd in the league with a deficit of nine points to make up, all credit must go to Mark Jackson for the mid-season turnaround in fortunes.
Jackson, having arrived from Leeds United, taking the gamble at making his first foray into head coach/manager at a team sleepwalking into the fourth division, has galvanised a beleaguered looking squad.
Having stated on arrival his commitment to playing a 4-3-3 formation, it became apparent that the squad he inherited did not have a squad depth capable of playing such setup.
Quick to arrive were additions to the centre of midfield to bolster the ranks, alongside wingers to allow for the change as his Dons squad did not include anyone suitable for such roles given the squad build to play 3-5-2.
After the initial attempts at operating with two centre backs, combined with several key injuries, it was soon clear that a third body in the centre of defence was needed.
Reverting to three centre backs coincided with the return from injury of key experience in veteran Dean Lewington and loanee Anthony Stewart.
The upturn in form can easily be attributed also the solidity in the backline, allowing those further forward to trust their backline more than previous and not have to cover to add insurance, meaning the threat greatly improves in the opposing final third.
Whilst it is important to be tactically astute as a head coach, it is also imperative that you can also inspire and improve those players already in your squad, coaching them to make better decisions, be more comfortable in the higher-pressure moments, remaining composed and able to benefit the side more productively.
All of these are something that can be found in Conor Grant’s recent performances.
Having arrived at Stadium MK in the summer of 2022 fresh off the back of winning the League Two Player of the Year award, it seemed to all and sundry that a real gem had landed in Buckinghamshire to replace Scott Twine, who had departed to Burnley.
However, it soon become obvious that there was trouble in paradise as under the previous head coach, Liam Manning, Grant’s displays fell miserably below the desired level and after just a handful of games the midfielder was not even close to making the matchday squads.
Fast forward six months and a change of leadership, Grant is now one of the first names on the team sheet, putting in stellar performances and oozing confidence.
In his last four matches, he has delivered two assists and put in arguably two player of the match displays.
What lies ahead for Jackson and his Milton Keynes side to not allow their levels to drop towards the end of the campaign.
Within their final six matches, they face stern competition against two sides challenging for the playoff places and three teams sitting comfortably in the middle of table.
Having played all their relegation rivals, except Burton Albion who they face on the final day of the season, they will not be able to take points from other so will have to rely on others faltering to help their cause.
In their most recent match against Portsmouth, the Dons rallied back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw, thanks to a good finish by Mo Eisa.
The South coast side did shoot themselves the foot just before halftime when midfielder Joe Morrell inexplicably punched Daniel Harvie a corner kick, earning him a red card for his troubles and leaving his side a man down for the remainder of the tie.
Taking into consideration the way other results from around the League fell on Good Friday, the Dons sit 19th three points ahead of the parapet.
With a huge match against Derby County on Easter Monday just on the horizon, it is imperative the Jackson’s men carry on their good form and fortune in the fixture at Pride Park.
Jackson’s modus operandi for the next month looking ahead must be to assure themselves of avoiding relegation first and foremost, then within each match carry on building the cohesion and partnerships that can be carried on into the 23/24 campaign.
With only three players of their 25-man squad out of contract, it will be likely that next season’s side will be of a similar makeup, just with a couple of additions here and there.
No matter what the coming months and next season may look like, the priority is always the next fixture, so all eyes are pointed to Derby.
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]]>Milton Keynes Dons are a team going through a turbulent period.
Three consecutive losses and without a win in over a month, their league position of 22nd looks bleak and the side are sinking without a trace.
Given the Dons’ fortune twelve months ago to the hapless displays of present, where has it all gone wrong?
Whilst currently having a medical room fuller than an A&E ward, this cannot be used as an excuse given the length of time Liam Sweeting s had to resolve the clear frailties.
Sweeting, the Dons’ Sporting Director, has gone from hero to zero in two transfer windows and arguably finds himself quite fortunate to still be in his position.
Following the success of last campaign where the Dons narrowly missed out on Promotion to the Championship, faltering at the final hurdles and losing in the Playoffs to Buckinghamshire rivals Wycombe Wanderers, the next eight months have been anything but a success.
Replacing players such as Scott Twine, Matt O’Riley and Harry Darling was always going to be a monumental task.
Given the high turnover of the squad required from the sales of such key assets, supporters at Stadium MK were never expecting another season amongst the title challengers, just a solid mid-table finish given the rebuild required.
The reason behind employing a Sporting Director is clear to see: they are left in charge of player transactions and it gives you the freedom to recruit the best head coach possible to get the most out of the playing squad assembled.
Having already axed Liam Manning in December after a run of terrible displays, Milton Keynes turned to Mark Jackson to take the reins. The Dons needed something to change and it very easily could have been Sweeting to carry then can instead of Manning.
It is blatantly obvious that much of the blame lies at Sweeting’s door and it is remarkable how badly the squad has not only underperformed but also lacked clear options.
With just a handful of matches remaining and having shipped 13 goals in their last three matches, the fact that Jackson only has two centre backs to choose from is inexcusable.
Given their plight, it stood out like a sore thumb that Milton Keynes were missing a centre back, having struggled to replace Harry Darling. Jack Tucker was brought in from Gillingham but has been nothing short of inept.
Combining Tucker’s poor form with a key injury to Captain and stalwart Dean Lewington, they were crying out for reinforcements to arrive to the backline.
On January 14th the problems escalated for Jackson further as their Warren O’Hora suffered a season-ending injury.
The Irishman was the Dons’ key centre back and his loss only increased the need for fresh faces and fast.
It then took Sweeting until Deadline Day, over two weeks and three matches to bring in anyone through the door, despite being in complete desperation for a body.
Finally one player arrived through the door, centre back Anthony Stewart. His arrival has, however, proved utterly fruitless as after only three training sessions and not a single minute played, the 30-year-old is now sidelined for the foreseeable future following a ‘freak’ injury in training.
To make matters worse, MK had also agreed a loan move for Reece Welch on Deadline day and the Evertonian defender was actually on his way down the M1 motorway to Stadium MK when the plug was pulled to focus all priorities on the recruitment of Stewart.
The news kept getting better for Sweeting, Jackson and their supporters. Another long-term absentee, striker Joshua Kayode, was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ailment that required surgery.
Part of his loan agreement was that his move could not be terminated, at MK’s insistence, a move which has come back to bite them in the biggest way imaginable.
Able to only start one league game all campaign, combined with just three substitute appearances and the season completed by September, the Irishmen would be a welcome incumbent into the frame as one of the Dons’ worst transfer dealings ever.
If they were to have signed both Welch and Stewart it would have given them six loanees, meaning one could not make the matchday squad when all are fit.
With Kayode returning to Rotherham United to manage his rehabilitation, it would have meant they could find a space for all loan options, yet now they are left with three.
Something the Dons are trying to replicate is the perceived ideal model, that of Brighton or Brentford. Using Brentford as a prime example, ever since they were in League One twelve years ago under Uwe Rösler, they have chosen to operate with a specific style, only recruiting players who fit that specific mould.
Twelve years ago Brentford were utilising a 4-3-3 formation with a powerful forward occupying the front line and two wingers capable of adding flair as well as an effective crossing ability. In 2011 it was Saido Berahino and Antonio German either side of Clayton Donaldson.
This system has not been altered or tampered with an it has been a primary factor as to their continued rise up the football league pyramid. You can easily draw comparisons between Toney and Donaldson without racking the brains which a key to the success.
At no point are Brentford trying to shoehorn a player into their squad, something the Dons are having to do far too frequently. Arrivals such as Nathan Holland and Will Grigg do not meet the preferred tactic, meaning they are not as effective as hoped.
Choosing to play a fluid pass-and-move system, seeing their front three forward play an interchangeable, fluid position, so when they are operating on the flanks they play as an inverted winger.
Holland is an old-fashioned wide midfielder and Grigg is now effectively a poacher, given the fact he no longer has the legs to play in a relentless highly fluid formation.
For the Dons to get anything out of the remainder of the campaign, they will need to find a way to cope with the desperate lack of strength in their squad and work out how best to use the square pegs that are fitting into round holes.
Despite all of this, their next four matches could very well define their season and confirm their fate. Facing four relegation rivals in March, if the Dons do not gain anything, the writing could be on the wall.
If they do survive the relegation, it will possibly go down as one of the most remarkable turnarounds imaginable midway through a season.
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