By Alfie Marlborough
The dust has settled on the win over Newport County, the Dons are through to the last 16 in the Papa John’s Trophy. Alfie has woken up, had his breakfast and now gives us his thoughts on last night …
The Dons book their place in the Last 16 of the Papa Johns Trophy after a comfortable 3-1 win against League Two side Newport County.
It was a cagey start from both sides with neither side taking a firm grip of the game. The Dons had the first real opportunity of the game when Daniel Harvie drove towards the Exiles’ but his ball through to Dennis was cut out by the captain Matty Dolan.
Newport had a golden opportunity to pounce on a mistake at the back from the Dons just after the fifteen minute mark. Jamie Cumming’s poor pass to Devoy left the Irishman in a tricky situation. His pass on the edge of the box was cut out by Bogle who’s effort was well saved at the near post to prevent County from taking the lead.
Ten minutes later and the Dons took the lead through an overhead kick by forward Darragh Burns. The corner in from Devoy found Centre-Half Jack Tucker who’s header reached the Irish winger just outside the six yard area before acrobatically putting the Dons ahead!
HALF-TIME: MKD 1-0 NEW
Bogle had a great chance to equalise shortly after the interval from a corner which landed to the striker inside the box. However, his poorly struck effort went over not troubling the Dons’ number one whatsoever.
An hour in and the Dons Doubled their advantage through Matt Dennis. The striker was in the right place at the right time to rifle home after a curling effort from Oyegoke was deflected into his path.
Following the goal, Dennis was replaced by Grigg who almost made it three momentarily after being brought on. A ball in to the number nine was struck first time towards goal but the Newport keeper saved well to deny a third for the Dons.
Despite some pressure from the Exiles, the Dons grabbed a third through Will Grigg just fifteen minutes from time. Josh McEachran picked up the ball in the middle of the park before passing to Ethan Robson whose perfectly timed ball left Grigg one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The striker bagged his seventh of the season after placing the ball superbly over the keeper and into the back of the net for a third.
County grabbed a consolation goal five minutes from time through a Jack Tucker own goal. Nevers’ header deflected off the Dons defender before finding the back of the net. No clean sheet for Jamie Cumming who was rooted to the ground.
FULL TIME: MKD 3-1 NEW
The Dons eased their way to victory on a cold Tuesday night at Stadium MK courtesy of goals from Burns, Dennis, and Grigg.
Next up, we turn our attentions to the FA Cup as we travel to the south coast for our second round clash against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
