By Alfie Marlborough
The Dons put Non-League Taunton to the sword as we ease our way into the Second Round of the FA Cup.
The Dons got off to an excellent start through a free-kick from Dawson Devoy who managed to grab his first ever Dons goal. Burns had the ball on the right hand side but had a cross blocked before recycling the ball down the left which they were able to win a free-kick from just outside the box. Devoy stepped up and struck home to give the dons an early lead after just Seven Minutes. 1-0
The Dons continued their dominance through the opening stages with Devoy taking centre stage and getting involved the most. The Irishman beat the offside trap before playing a low ball towards Grigg which was intercepted from a Taunton defender.
The Dons doubled their advantage just six minutes after getting the opener through Will Grigg who fired home first time after connecting onto Daniel Harvie’s low cross. 2-0
A slight scare for the Dons happened when Taunton had a rare opportunity through a free-kick. Franco Ravizzoli came out chasing for the ball but misjudged the flight of the ball entirely. The ball fell to Grimes who had an empty net in front of him but Grigg was able to close down the defender to prevent what would have been a certain goal for the Visitors.
Louis Barry had been very lively through the First Half and looked a real threat for the Dons on the flanks. The Winger had a shot which went not too far wide but had Bycroft diving at full stretch to make sure the Aston Villa loanee did not add to the Dons’ lead.
HALF-TIME: MK Dons 2-0 Taunton
Just minutes after the break, Dawson Devoy turned provider for fellow Irishman Darragh Burns who brought down a phenomenal ball over the top very well before firing past the keeper to put a third against Bycroft. 3-0
Just two minutes later, Barry went close after having his strike tipped onto the post from Bycroft. Tucker’s pass was flicked on by Daniel Harvie to Louie Barry who was unable to get his first goal in a Dons shirt.
Mo Eisa grabbed his first goal since coming back from injury in some style just fifteen minutes after coming on alongside Tennai Watson who made his first appearance since Barnet in pre-season. The striker struck from 25 yards out and his rocket of a shot went into the top right corner. 4-0
Four turned into Five through Conor Grant who had beaten the offside trap to be on the receiving end of an incredible ball by Henry Lawrence. The midfielder took his time before eventually smashing home to secure a fifth for the Dons. 5-0
Just two minutes after, Conor Grant grabbed a second for himself and a sixth for the Dons who were running riot at Stadium MK. The Irishman got the ball inside the area before firing into the top left-hand corner. 6-0
As we headed into just a minimum of two minutes of additional time – the peacocks almost grabbed what would have been a valuable consolation for the visitors. Ross Stearn let fire from range and his effort clipped the crossbar before going over.
FULL TIME: MK Dons 6-0 Taunton Town
A convincing showing as the Dons coast their way into the hat for the second round draw which takes place on Monday evening. A clean sheet and a hatful of goals means the Peacocks crash out of the cup after the first round.
Next up – the Dons host Morecambe in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night to try and make it four unbeaten in all competitions.
