By Martin Atherton
MK Dons earned themselves an excellent point on the road, Charlie Brown coming up with the goods for Russell Martin’s side in their penultimate game of the season.
The hosts had initially taken the lead through Garner, but Brown’s 83rd minute equaliser ensured they wouldn’t be walking away empty-handed.
The game was played out in silence across social media, as organisations big and small – including the MKDSA – undertook a social media blackout in response to company’s failures to crack down on online abuse.
The two sides saw out an entertaining first half, with both having the ball in the net – but referee Stephen Martin ruling them out.
Grigg saw the first real chance after Sorinola had taken down McEachran’s excellent long-ranged pass, but the Dons striker – who netted four last week – smashed his effort just wide of the post.
The Dons then seemed to have gone 1-0 up as Fraser coolly slotted home a superb Sorinola pass, but referee Martin chalked it off for an offside earlier in the build-up.
Martin’s side were forced into a change as O’Riley – stepping in for Laird on the right-hand side – pulled up with a groin strain and was replaced by Sørensen.
The hosts had their best chance just as the interval approached, a set-piece header smashing against the Dons’ post. HT 0-0.
The first real chance of the second half saw Darling steaming forward with McEachran after having cleared a Fleetwood corner, only for the Dons’ centre-back to be deemed offside by inches.
Fraser then went close, smashing an effort at the Fleetwood ‘keeper Cairns.
But despite MK’s dominance it was the hosts that would break the deadlock, Garner sending a tiny effort in off of Fisher’s post. 1-0.
Not long after, it nearly became two as the Trawlermen broke at pace – Darling, though, on hand to block the shot.
But the Dons, as always, found a way through – and it came through young Charlie Brown, neatly tapping home a loose ball spilled by the home ‘keeper! Get in! 1-1!
The hosts wanted a penalty minutes after as Burns went down in the area – the Fleetwood man, though, booked for simulation and given an ear full by Fraser.
Jules could have then grabbed the Dons three points right at the death, but managed to only muster up an air shot after being found completely unmarked in the area. FT 1-1.
A great point on the road – even if it is one that sees the Dons slim Play-Off hopes come to a close.
We go again next weekend, looking to secure a top-half finish on the back of a great first full campaign under Russ Martin.
Come on You Dons!
