Tonight, we have the Papa John’s Trophy final group match at SMK in what is a bit of a dead rubber with both us and our opponents Aston Villa U21’s already through to the knockout stages. This will be the first time we have played Aston Villa in a senior competition.
Both teams have 6 points from their opening 2 games with just goal difference separating the two sides. The only real thing to fight for tonight is pride and wanting to top the group as that will guarantee a home tie in the next round.
Don’t forget there is no extra time tonight so if the scores are level there will be a penalty shoot out to decide who gets an additional point.
Its no good us speculating who will be playing this evening as there is expected once again to be wholesale changes to the Dons line up that lost to Rotherham at the weekend. Villa may field one or two names that are familiar, but whatever happens they will be roared on by over 1,000 Villa fans who have really embraced this competition and are backing their young talent on the road.
Tonight’s ref is Tom Nield from West Yorkshire who has reffed 11 games so far this season booking 56 players, 1 straight red, and he has awarded 4 penalties.
His last appearance involving us was the 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland last season where Joe Mason and Cameron Jerome scored the goals.
Don’t forget the CazBar will be outside Gate 5 tonight and Lewington’s will be open as usual.
The MKDSA kiosk will not be open tonight.
