GT thrilled with Dons victory and Eaves impact
By Matt Johnson
Graham Turner oozed unconfined elation after Town ended their three game losing streak to notch a ‘smash and grab’ 3-2 victory over MK Dons.
Tom Eaves put Town well ahead within 20 minutes at stadium mk with two fantastic strikes, but former Shrew Ryan Lowe hit a brace to level things up. A calamitous own goal from the home side gifted Town the lead again midway through the second half and GT’s side managed to hold on for the points.
“It’s a fantastic result for us,” said Turner.
“It was a game where we had to set the team up properly, and for 25 minutes, I thought we did just that. To concede the goal from the corner was disappointing in the manner it went in and then to concede again a few minutes after half-time was criminal.
“That’s the negatives, the positives are that it was a terrific result and at times we played with a little bit of confidence and at 2-0 up, we still had some good opportunities to extend the lead – that was pleasing.
“It was overall a very good team performance and everyone has put a good shift in.”
Eaves’ two thumping efforts from outside the box just three minutes apart built the foundation for what could turn out to be three crucial points, and Turner was thrilled with the impact of his front man.
“He can do that, he’s terrific. You look at his record for Bristol Rovers with seven goals in 14 games, so he is capable of scoring.
“It’s taken a little bit of time for him to settle into it, but he’s strong and he gets hold of the ball, he’s got a little bit of pace and obviously an eye for goal. He’s done ever so well for us tonight.”
The victory represents a third win in four away games for Town, a stark contrast to the early season form that didn’t see a single win on the road registered until the New Years Day success at Coventry.
“It’s an amazing season in terms of going so long without winning away from home, and now we’ve put some very good results together with the exception of Walsall.
“When you look at Coventry, Preston and Tranmere and then MK Dons today, they are all sides capable of getting into the play-offs. There has been four absolutely terrific results on the road.
“This result has given everyone at the club a real boost and we’ve got to push on now, starting with Crewe on Saturday.”