By Martin Atherton
An excellent MK Dons performance at fourth-placed Charlton led to a 1-0 win, making it back-to-back away wins for Russell Martin’s side in the league.
Despite their opposition’s squad featuring heavyweight names such as Marcus Maddison, Omar Bogle and Conor Washington, as well as former Dons starlets Alex Gilbey and Chuks Aneke, Martin’s men held tight and completely outplayed the home side on their own patch.
The Dons completely dominated the opening exchanges and could have taken the lead within just a minute, though Fraser’s cross – a carbon copy of that on Sunday – became trapped underneath Jerome’s feet.
But their top scorer’s miss did little to damage their confidence and Martin’s side continued about their attacking work. Jerome came close again after being played through on goal, but his touch was horribly wrong and far too easily allowed Amos to come off of his line and collect.
Out wide, young Sorinola proved a handful for his opposite number Albie Morgan who, after scything down the Dons academy graduate, received a verbal caution from the referee.
Former Don Gilbey – who spent most of the night chasing his replacement Fraser’s shadow – came in with a nasty challenge on the Dons’ #10, nonetheless the main man was able to continue and carry on pulling strings in midfield until the halfway mark. HT 0-0.
The Addicks came out for the second half a far improved side, though, and settled quickly back into some rhythm. Former Posh man Marcus Maddison came on, spraying passes left right and centre – though lacked that clinical final ball he had been known for during his London Road days.
But the Dons’ persistence to play their style paid off, and after some good work from Sørensen – the Dane weaving in and out of the Charlton midfield and beating a handful of his opposite numbers – Fraser was played through to smash home his sixth of the season and give the Dons the lead. 0-1!
One so nearly then became two almost immediately after, though Morris’ effort was tipped expertly wide of the goal by an alert Amos. Walker was introduced for the away side and proved himself a nuisance, upping the Dons press as they looked to close out the win.
Pratley had a chance to level things in the dying embers of the game – an all-but open goal to aim at with Fisher stranded after failing to deal with a cross – but stuck his effort at the crossbar before the ref halted play for a head injury to Keogh.
The Dons held on for what will inevitably go down as one of their best wins of the season, taking three points from a place very few teams will over the course of the next few months. FT 1-0.
An excellent showing, and one that demonstrates just how far the Dons are coming under manager Russell Martin. 1-0 flattered the home side, who could have easily been beaten by three or four tonight.
Though he had his critics last week, it is now one defeat in nine for the Dons in regular competitions – that sole loss coming at the hands of runaway leaders Hull City.
More of the same will be expected on the weekend, though, as the Dons travel to surprise high-flyers Accrington Stanley.
