Eisa at the double for Dons, but is a draw enough in the fight for survival?

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 97^th 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!

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With just a handful of points left to play for and Jackson’s men sitting precariously in 19^th 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.

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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 7^th May carry more jeopardy than hoped.