A fine drive from Daniel Powell gave MK Dons all three points on their return to League One. The Dons traveled to Shropshire to take on Shrewsbury Town in a repeat of the opening fixture from three seasons ago.
The Dons handed competitive debuts to Paul Downing, Ed Upson and George C Williams. Last season’s regulars filled in the gaps. David Martin kept his place in goal despite the signing of Lee Nicholls from Wigan. In the full back positions, George Baldock and Dean Lewington started. Joe Walsh played alongside Downing in the centre of defence. The ever-dependable Darren Potter was alongside Upson in the defensive-midfield positions. Samir Carruthers and Daniel Powell joined Williams in the attacking three. Nicky Maynard played as the lone striker to keep the formation the same as it has been for the fourth season running.
MK Dons Take Maximum Points On Opening Day
MK Dons started the brighter of the two teams. They looked to utilise the pace they have on the wings in Powell, Williams and Baldock overlapping from right-back. Many half chances were created from these positions, but the finishing touch couldn’t be applied. The first real chance came when Upson’s corner was met by Walsh. However, his header was well held by Jason Leutwiler.
Shrewsbury then started to come into the game. They should have gone ahead when A.J. Leitch-Smith broke through; only to be denied by a world-class tackle from Walsh.
The Dons improved in the second half. They continued to play the passing football that brought them success in the 2014-15 campaign. Just minutes into the second half, Darren Potter headed an Upson free-kick against the crossbar. It was the closest either of the sides had come to that point.
The deadlock was finally broken after 73 minutes. It wasn’t the incisive passing from the Dons that made it come about, more a defensive error from the home side. Substitute Abou Agogo was shrugged off the ball in his own area by Upson, who touched the ball to Powell. The winger then rifled a shot in from a tight angle that Leutwiler could only palm in to the roof of the net.
It was the perfect start from the MK Dons after such a hard and disappointing season last time out. It also turned out to be a good day for young Brandon Thomas-Asante. He made his professional debut for the club after an excellent pre-season. Full-back George B Williams also made an appearance late on in a big victory for the Dons.
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