By Martin Atherton
MK Dons saw out a goalless draw with Ipswich Town as Russell Martin put a dent in the Tractor Boys’ Play-Off hopes.
The Dons were without both Warren O’Hora and Cameron Jerome, both having picked up injuries midweek, whilst Louis Thompson also found himself once again on the sideline.
Despite that, though, they comfortably matched their opponents, and will perhaps come away disappointed that they failed to take all three points.
Russ’ men had almost full control of the first half, though failed to create any real chances of note.
Just minutes into the game, Ipswich could have been down to ten men – young Amando Dobra, who turns 20 next week, diving in on Lewington with his studs showing and lucky to only see yellow.
Fraser went close up the other end, seeing a shot ricochet off of a stanchion after having gone narrowly wide of Holy’s post.
There were shouts for a penalty as Fraser – looking much brighter than he has done in recent weeks – saw an effort blocked by an Ipswich man, seemingly with his hand, though the referee turned down the Dons’ appeals.
Dobra, losing his marker Lewington, then went agonisingly close up the other end as the hosts countered. HT 0-0.
The second half started with Surman going close, firing a free-kick in that was met with a great Holy save.
O’Riley came closest for the Dons – connecting with a Sorinola cross but firing his effort directly at Holy.
Up the other end, a lazy Jules back-header was picked up by Sears – the former West Ham man, though, sending his effort wayward over Fisher’s head and into the stand.
Fraser had one final chance to win things late on but struggled to get a shot away after making room on the edge of the box. FT 0-0.
Truth be told, results don’t really matter to MK Dons anymore with them set for a mid-table finish – but that was a good away performance and a well-deserved point.
A rare clean sheet will give confidence to the back line, albeit without O’Hora; Jules, bar his one slip up, looked far more assured and confident.
Harry Darling was, once again, outstanding, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll be able to achieve with us next season. Plenty of others today that also fit that mould.
Onto next week. COYD!
