Dons Hold On For Draw

In a game where neither side really shone, MK Dons came away with a hard won point to keep them in touch with the pack chasing automatic promotion.

The first-half was fairly even with both sides missing opportunities to take the lead. Rover`s keeper Steve Phillips made two good saves to keep out shots from Jude Stirling and Aaron Wilbraham and Rovers top striker Richard Walker went close when his shot rebounded off the post.

Rovers Craig Disley and Dons Leon McKnight also went close, Disley’s header going just wide and Knights header saved by Phillips.

Jon-Paul McGovern took the lead for the Dons on 55 minutes blasting home a low shot from a pass by Paul Mitchell who had come on to replace Jude Stirling just two minutes earlier.

The Dons dug in to keep the three points but an inspired substitution at 68 minutes saw the Pirates Stuart Nicholson come on to steal the equaliser for Rovers 10 minutes later.

The striker, on loan from West Brom, picked up a long ball in the Dons box rounding keeper Adolpho Baines and coolly putting the ball into the back of an empty net to give Bristol a share of the points.

In an interview after the game Dons boss Martin Allen seemed happy with the point although disappointed that Rovers managed to breach the Dons defence so easily to score their goal. ‘It was one long ball down the pitch and I will have to look at how that player has got in.’ said Allen.

Dons face Mansfield on Tuesday evening in a game that must result in three points if the Dons are to keep in touch with the teams currently occupying the top three league places.





Officials

Manager Rating
‘It’s a point gained, Bristol Rovers played very well in the first half, they were dominant I thought. In the second half we played much better, with more energy, higher up the field. We deserved to go ahead, were more than comfortable with no real threat against us.’

MARTIN ALLEN – Manager MK Dons

Opponent Rating
‘At half-time we felt we were in control of the game, we had enjoyed good spells of possession, and we were overall pleased with much of our attacking play.

In the second half it was a bit more even, and neither side really put the other under sustained pressure. It was a close affair, and although we are disappointed not to have taken all three points, we’re pleased to have taken something.’
PAUL TROLLOPE – Manager Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers
Steve Phillips, Aaron Lescott, Craig Hinton, Steve Elliott, Chris Caruthers, Lewis Haldane, Stuart Campbell, Craig Disley, Sammy Igoe (81), Richard Walker (68), Richard Lambert.
Subs: Joe Jacobson, Samuel Oji, Andy Sandell (81), Chris Lines, Stuart Nicholson (68)

MK Dons
Adolpho Baines, Jamie Smith, Paul Butler, Drissa Diallo, Dean Lewington, Jude Stirling (53), Keith Andrews, Jon-Paul McGovern (69), Gareth Edds, Leon Knight (61), Aaron Wilbraham.
Subs: Lee Harper, Sean O’Hanlon (69), Paul Mitchell (53), Scott Taylor (61), Jonathan Hayes.

Officials
Refereee: D S MCDERMID,
Officials: I A Evans and L Swabey,
Fourth Official : A Williams