Report: MK Dons 2-0 QPR

MK Dons picked up a vital three points this afternoon with an impressive 2-0 win over QPR.

Martin returned in goal but Joe Walsh missed out due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by Antony Kay.

The first half was certainly one to forget as neither side were able to play good football or create many clear-cut chances, restricted to mainly long range efforts.

Indeed, El Khayati and Luongo had failed 20 yard efforts for the visitors while Darren Potter`s long range strike went where you thought it would for a player not renowned for his goalscoring – way over the bar.

El Khayati did come close with an effort which curled just past the post before Antony Kay had a header which went just over the bar.

The second half however was much improved as the Dons carved out a string of good chances, spearheaded by the power and commitment of Alex Revell.

Soon after the restart, Revell had a header cleared off the line before he came close to connecting with Murphy`s searching cross.

And the pressure told on 49 minutes when captain Dean Lewington reminded us of how effective his left-foot can be when put to good use. Colleting Bowditch`s neat pass, the left back fired a fantastic strike into the bottom-right hand corner to make it 1-0.

And the Dons didn`t stop there with both Revell and Williams seeing shots deflected and saved. Arguably, Williams in-particular should have found the net but his shot went straight into the arms of Smithies.

Murphy was then denied a tap-in from Carruthers` beautifully curling cross by a great interception from Perch.

Then, on 86 minutes, the Dons had the opportunity to seal near-certain victory when Murphy was brought down in the box. The same player missed the resultant penalty however and it was beginning to feel like the last minute opposition goal, which has been common of late, would once again rear its ugly head.

This time however, the Dons were determined not the let that happen and after defending resolutely from QPR`s attacks, they pushed forwards and won a penalty courtesy of substitute Rob Hall. This time, Ben Reeves converted emphatically to give the Dons a deserved three points.

The gap with the relegation zone still stands at three points, but after that performance we have reasons to be optimistic ahead of Tuesday` crucial game at Charlton.