By Martin Atherton
MK Dons slumped to a third defeat in four at the hands of bottom side Wigan Athletic, a game in which they really struggled to show much fight.
Goals from Johnston, Lang, and Dodoo were enough to easily swipe aside an MK side who posed little to no threat.
For the hosts, the game may end up being somewhat overshadowed after more positive news broke this morning after a potential takeover, moving them out of a lengthy administration period.
A lacklustre first half set the tone for the afternoon, MK Dons really struggling to get anywhere into the tie.
The Dons were able to thank Fisher once again early doors – Lang through on goal, but Fish made himself big to block the shot.
But, on 22 minutes, George Johnston – on loan from Feyenoord – was left completely unmarked in the box and headed home for the hosts. 1-0.
And, after just half an hour, it was clear to see that Russ had had enough – both Houghton and Harvie pulled in place of Surman and Jules.
That switch seemed to bring a new sense of life to the Dons, who almost immediately then created their best chance of the half through Laird.
Still, though, they were unable to create parity before the break. HT 1-0.
But that optimism was short lived in the second period as Dons crashed to a 3-0 defeat.
After it had looked like they had grabbed a hold of things in the opening minutes after the break, Darling left Lang completely unmarked in the box to head home and double his side’s lead. 2-0.
And, to make things worse, two then became three – a poor Fisher pass being picked up before the ball was squared to Dodoo for him to tap home. 3-0.
With the last real chance of the game, Laird was booked for simulation – something that more or less summed up the Dons’ afternoon. FT 3-0.
A disappointing afternoon – let’s not get away from that. Wigan were far, far more up for the fight and worthy winners.
However, the bigger picture remains unchanged. The Dons were always going to be a mid-table team in a transition period, and that’s what it’s ended up being.
This is very much starting to remind me of the 2013/14 season – some of those games towards the end were so dire, simply because we were far more focused on 2014/15 and experimenting and building our squad. We’re in a very similar position now.
All eyes on next campaign for me still. COYD.
