By Martin Atherton
MK Dons all-but confirmed the relegation of Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday night, overseeing a 2-0 win.
The build-up had been marred by news of the European Super League – but, thankfully, reports broke throughout the first half across Twitter that the idea was set to be scrapped, with multiple ‘founding’ clubs withdrawing their support under pressure from fans.
Rovers now sit nine points adrift with three games to play, having spent much of the season with former Dons boss Paul Tisdale at the helm.
Scott Fraser and Will Grigg were both on target – the latter his first after a dry spell – in a fairly routine performance. Fisher produced a last-minute penalty save to keep his clean sheet, a second in successive games.
The Dons were the far better side in the opening exchanges, and comfortably created chances against a weak Rovers attack. At the other end, Darling kept Hanlan very quiet.
The opening goal came as Grigg saw a shot saved after some great work to get an effort away, before Fraser was on hand to tap into an empty net! 0-1!
Sorinola then so nearly made it two but smashed his 25-yard effort off of the crossbar. HT 0-1.
Rovers came out fighting in the second half, making four changes at the break.
But MK doubled their lead, though, as Grigg smartly tapped home in the box from a loose ball after Jaakkola had spilled a save. 0-2!!!
From there, there really wasn’t too much to report on as the Dons comfortably saw out the remainder of the game.
Laird was brutally hacked down by Kilgour – the Bristol Rovers man then confronted Scott Fraser, before quickly regretting that decision.
Surman then nearly made it three from a corner (!), though his header flashed just wide of the post.
Rovers then had a chance to earn a consolation in the dying moments – Darling bringing down McCormick and conceding a penalty – but Fisher produced an excellent save to deny Leahy from 12 yards. FT 0-2!
A solid performance – albeit against a weak opposition – and one that sees the Dons climb even further up the table. Get in!
