In focus: MK Dons match preview

24 November 2020

Take a closer look at the facts and stats ahead of Town's next Sky Bet League One opposition.

MK Dons have had a mixed start to their Sky Bet League One season having won three games, drawn four, and lost six. Despite mixed results, the Dons score goals from a variety of positions with goals from Scott Fraser, Cameron Jerome, Stephen Walker and Joe Mason.

Russell Martin's men currently sit in 17th place in the league table. In their last five, the Dons have won two, drawn two and lost only one as they look to progress up the table. The Dons have a minus goal difference of three.

Name: Milton Keynes Dons Football Club

Nickname: The Dons

Founded: 2004

Stadium: Stadium MK

Capacity: 30,500

Biggest win: 7-0, Oldham Athletic, 2014

Biggest loss: 0-5, Burnley, 2016

Highest league finish: 23^rd, Sky Bet Championship, 2015/16

Read Sam Ricketts' thoughts ahead of the tie...

Interviews 23 November 2020

Sam Ricketts previews Town's clash with MK Dons

The Manager – Russell Martin

Russell Martin is in his first spell as manager after enjoying an illustrious playing career - one which saw him make over 580 career appearances, earn 29 international caps and achieve promotion from each EFL division.

The 34-year-old spent the formative years of his playing career in the Brighton and Hove Albion Academy but would leave East Sussex in 2004 to join Lewes. The bulk of his playing career was spent with Norwich City, where the former defender spent eight years - four of which were spent in the Premier League with the Canaries.

Off the pitch, Martin runs his own charitable foundation in Brighton - the Russell Martin Foundation. The organisation gives kids the chance to play football and work their way into academy football. Having become vegan in 2014 for health reasons, Martin is also part-owner of Erpingham House, the largest vegan restaurant in the UK.

Goalkeeper – Andrew Fisher

MK Dons secured the services of Andrew Fisher on Deadline Day during the summer transfer window.

The young goalkeeper spent time on loan at Stadium MK last term but has returned, this time, on a permanent basis from Wigan Athletic. He made his EFL debut away at Blackpool in October, keeping his first EFL clean sheet just three days later in the victory over Wigan Athletic.

The shot-stopper has also spent time futon loan with FC United of Manchester and Northampton.

Defender - Dean Lewington

Lewington is English football’s longest-serving active player and is rapidly approaching his 800th career appearance and is the current captain at Stadium MK.

A member of the inaugural Dons side in 2004/05, the left-back has been a consistent figure ever since, helping the team achieve three promotions and helped the club lift the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley Stadium. He has donned the captain’s armband since 2008.

Midfielder – Andrew Surman

MK Dons bolstered their midfield with the signing of Andrew Surman in mid-November. The former AFC Bournemouth captain arrived at Stadium MK on a free transfer, having left the Cherries in June 2020.

Surman has totalled over 450 appearances so far in his career, the majority of which have come in the Premier League for clubs such as Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City and, most recently, Bournemouth.

Forward – Cameron Jerome

Experienced striker Cameron Jerome arrived at MK Dons in October, bolstering Russell Martin’s attacking options.

The 34-year-old frontman has scored 138 career goals for the likes of Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Stoke City, Norwich City, and Derby County. He has won promotion to the Premier League on three occasions, and he also has a Papa John's Trophy winners medal to his name.

Read David Edwards' thoughts ahead of the tie...

Interviews 23 November 2020

David Edwards looks ahead to Town's clash with MK Dons

League stats:

Results: P13 W3 D4 L6

Win percentage: 23%

Average points per game: 1

Average goals scored per game: 1.08

Average goals per game: 2.38

Average shots per match: 11.31

Average possession: 65%

Fouls per match: 5.38

Offsides per match: 5.85

Top goal-scorer: Scott Fraser (4)

Top Assists: Cameron Jerome (1)

Most cards: David Kasumi (6)

Most frequent FT score: 1-1 (3 times)

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Match Reports

Match report: MK Dons 2 Shrewsbury Town 2

24 November 2020

Town earn a point on the road against MK Dons.

An early goal in each half for the Shrews wasn’t enough for Town to secure a win on the road against MK Dons.

Despite Salop gaining a deserved two-goal lead, the Dons pulled two back in the second half to earn a point.

Town’s afternoon in Milton Keynes got off to the perfect start with the Shrews stunning the home side with a lightning-fast goal. Shaun Whalley got on the end of a through ball with one minute on the clock and managed to guide an effort into the top corner of the net to give Salop an early lead on his 200^th appearance.

Salop had a golden opportunity to double that lead just six minutes later. Josh Vela delivered a driven cross into the box but neither Scott High or Whalley were able to make a connection with the ball.

It was Sam Ricketts’ men who looked most dangerous on the break. Marc Pugh and Matt Millar were the two on the flanks who continually caused problems going forward for the Dons’ defenders.

Whalley found the net again shortly before half time but the offside flag was raised. The forward got on the end of a driven cross from David Edwards but Darren Drysdale and his assistants disallowed the goal.

A similar situation arose with seconds left in the half. This time, Marc Pugh put the ball in the net but the flag was raised despite the winger looking onside.

Town started the second half in a similar fashion to the first having netted early on. Whalley turned provider and crossed the ball across the box for Pugh to tap in from close range to double the Salop lead.

The next chance of the game came the way of the Dons as former Salop striker Carlton Morris capitalised on a loose ball in the box and tapped home from close range to half Town’s lead.

The Dons went one better with 20 minutes left to go. Cameron Jerome found himself through on goal and calmly slotted home into the corner of the Salop net to pull level.

The game came to an end with the points being shared at Stadium MK.

MK Dons: Andrew Fisher, Richard Keogh, Regan Poole, Baily Cargil, Scott Fraser, Stephen Walker (Carlton Morris, 45), Warren O’Hora, Andrew Surman (Ben Gladwin, 62), Lasse Sorensen (David Kasumu, 33), Matthew Sorinola (Daniel Harve, 84), Cameron Jerome.

Subs: Lee Nichols, Dean Lewington, Ben Gladwin, Carlton Morris, Daniel Harve, Jordan Houghton.

Town: Deyan Iliev, Aaron Pierre, David Edwards (Josh Daniels, 85), Ro-Shaun Williams, Shaun Whalley (Ryan Barnett, 88), Josh Vela, Matt Millar, Charlie Daniels, Brad Walker, Scott High, Marc Pugh (Jason Cummings, 76).

Subs: Harry Burgoyne, Jan Zamburek, Ryan Barnett, Josh Daniels, Daniel Udoh, Jason Cummings.

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Assistants: Marc Wilson and Christopher Kidd

Fourth official: Stephen Finch

Ticket News

Match passes: MK Dons

23 November 2020

Match passes are now available to purchase for Town's away Sky Bet League One clash with MK Dons.

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