They say that 13 is an unlucky number but Clive Platt’s 13th goal of the season proved lucky for the MK Dons as they came from behind to seal the win over struggling Boston and to keep their automatic promotion bid well and truly alive.
The Dons took the lead just three minutes into the game following an expolosive start that had supporters thinking a rout was on the cards. Skipper Keith Andrews, returning to the side after a one match ban, picked up the ball from a Jamie Smith throw in before crossing it into the box where Platt rose above Jamie Stevens to head the ball into the top corner of the net to take an early lead.
The players celebrated the goal by holding up the shirt of Paul Mitchell much to the delight of the home supporters who chanted his name.
Izale McLeod almost made it 2-0 soon after but the Pilgrims keeper did well to save his on-target shot.
Boston tried hard to get back into the game but it looked like it was destined to be the Dons day when on the 20th minute an Albert Jarrett corner was picked up by Bradley Thomas who headed into the net past keeper Baines to level the score.
Despite the set back, the Dons continued to pile on the pressure with Lloyd Dyer coming close with a shot from 12 yards which was deflected just wide of the post and a Header from Paul Butler which hit the bar.
But in the 32nd minute, another set piece saw the Pilgrims take the lead against the run of play when striker Drewe Broughton picked up a ball flicked on by Nathan Jones from a Colin Cryan free-kick and blasted it past Adolpho Baines who looked like a rabbit staring into the headlights of a car.
Boston taking the lead seemed to have a demoralising effect on the Dons with ex-Wimbledon midfielder Albert Jarrett running the Dons defence ragged until picking up an injury that put him out of the match just before half-time.
Martin Allen made a number of tactical changes shortly after the start of the second half and with the replacement of defender Dean Lewington with striker Leon Knight the bolstered Dons attack force began to step up the pressure on the Boston defence.
It was in the 75th minute when the breakthrough occured when Izale McLeod picked up the ball in the box to score a stunning individual goal that saw him skillfully dribble through the Boston defence before blasting the ball into the net from what looked like an impossible angle.
This seemed to restore the Dons belief in themselves as they piled on the pressure in an all out effort to take all three points.
A goalmouth scramble followed a Leon Knight corner that saw Aaron Wilbraham win the ball which fell nicely for Clive Platt who made no mistake in firing it into the back of the net from six-yards on the 84th minute.
The Dons, with fresh memories in their minds of last minute goals denying them full points, dug in to secure victory in a game dedicated to the injured Paul Mitchell.
This vital win puts the Dons back into third place in league 2 with a game in hand and they will be hoping to push on to claim one of the coveted automatic promotion places.
Player Ratings
Adolpho Baines 4
Looked shaky at times and kicking was poor, why is it that you wince whenever the Dons goal is attacked?
Jamie Smith 7
Looked good in the first half, lively and strong. Picked up a yellow card and subbed, no doubt to avoid another booking.
Sean O’Hanlon 6
Had a decent game and made few mistakes.
Paul Butler 6
Dealt with everything that came his way as usual, a competent professional contribution.
Dean Lewington 5
Usually one of the Dons most reliable players, he was far short of his best today. Subbed.
Lloyd Dyer 7
Had a decent game and had some excellent touches.
Jon-Paul McGovern 6
Was his usual committed self but struggled with his marker at times.
Keith Andrews 7
A good game from the skipper who was voted man-of-the-match by the clubs sponsors.
Aaron Wilbraham 6
Not his best performance but as usual he gave it all he had and who can ask for more than that?
Clive Platt 8
Another two goals to this seasons tally, Platt is looking more and more confident in front of goal as the season progresses and is the catalyst for many of the chances created in the opponents half.
Izale McLeod 7
Played well throughout the game and made a decent contribution to the team game. Scored another stunning goal to equalise.
Gary Smith 6
Gave the side some attacking edge when he came on for McGovern.
Jude Stirling 5
Gave the ball away too often trying to use skills he doesn’t possess. Should stick to defending and taking throw-ins.
Came on for defender Lewington to add fire power to the side and contributed well to the sides second half come-back. He was instrumental from midfield in both of the Dons second half goals.
Manager Rating
Martin Allen made important changes to the team during the second half which was just what was needed to win this game. When he took off his jacket just before the final whistle the words ‘4 Mitch’ had been painted on the back of his nicely ironed white shirt – this man leads from the front!
Opponent Rating
The Boston Manager and his side-kick made the ‘Mad Dog’ look like a nicely behaved choir boy but for all their bellowing and harrassment of the officials their team seemed to ignore them and they went away with another defeat under their belt.
Martin Allen Quote
‘This win was dedicated to Paul Mitchell. I’m not sure if he would like that because he is not that sort of person, but all the players and staff have a strong feeling for him.’
Match Officials
Referee: A BATES Officials: D Sheldrake and G S Stretton Fourth Official : G R Russell
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