Kieran Agard netted a second-half penalty as MK Dons squeezed past Exeter City to continue their unbeaten start to the season and end the same feat for The Grecians. The Dons were guilty of some sloppiness and hesitancy in the final third, but once again put in a solid defensive display that frustrated the visitors and prevented them from scoring for the first time in this campaign.
Kieran Agard Nets Winner For MK Dons
Defensive Changes but the Same Result
Paul Tisdale made his first defensive changes of the season is his selection for this fixture. Baily Cargill, whose only previous start had come in the Carabao Cup victory over Charlton, came in for midfielder Ryan Watson. Former Exeter captain Jordan Moore-Taylor, who followed Tisdale to Stadium MK, stepped into the midfield void made by Watson, with Cargill slotting into central defence.
It was an excellent choice by the manager, as Cargill put in a Man of the Match performance and Moore-Taylor looked comfortable in the middle of the park. The decision gave much more balance to the Dons midfield, with Moore-Taylor and Jordan Houghton holding back when attacking, allowing Alex Gilbey, the third of the midfield three, to provide support for Kieran Agard and Robbie Simpson up front.
The midfield balance has been a struggle for MK Dons in their last few games when starting with Houghton, Gilbey and Watson. Gilbey and Watson would both commit forward, leaving the Dons open to a counter-attack with just Houghton covering the three centre-backs. Adding another defensive midfielder into the fray made the team look far more solid and stifled the majority of Exeter’s breaks.
The excellent display at the back means the Dons have now conceded only two goals in their five games this season, as well as another clean sheet in the cup. In their last five games of last season, they conceded 11.
A Win, But Still Issues Up Front
For all of their good work up front, there is still something missing from the MK Dons attack. There are a number of youngsters on the verge of breaking through, most notably Dylan Asonganyi and Sam Nombe. They also have two who look likely to leave the club in Osman Sow and Chuks Aneke. Sow has reportedly had a medical with former club Hearts, though it is yet unclear whether this was passed. Aneke had been on the verge of a loan move to Bolton Wanderers, but this has since stalled. It is reported, though, that the attacker doesn’t want to be at the club, so finding another loan option for him might not be the worst idea.
The Dons have made one forward acquisition in Cardiff City younger Rhys Healey, who made his debut as a second-half substitute against Exeter. The 23-year-old scored six goals in 17 appearances at this level for Newport County two seasons ago and scored the same number in just eight games for Torquay in the Conference.
For this game, though, Tisdale selected Kieran Agard and Robbie Simpson. The latter was rewarded with a start for his equalising goal against Grimsby in mid-week, while Agard has started all five league games so far. Agard was on the scoresheet today, converting a penalty after Jayden Stockley was penalised for handball. However, he had a wonderful chance to open the scoring ten minutes prior to this. It was another penalty, this time after a handball by Dean Moxey, who saw a second yellow card for his troubles. Agard, though, completely telegraphed his penalty and it was pushed away by Christy Pym.
Aside from his two spot-kicks, Agard struggled to link up with those around him. He often missed touches, failed with simple passes and failed to latch on to through balls. This, as well as being too hesitant in the box when there were chances to shoot. It wasn’t just Agard who was guilty of this, though. Callum Britain, Rhys Healey and Lawson D’ath all had chances where they took too many touches and lost the ball.
It was a mixed day for Agard, but credit must be given to him for stepping up to take the second penalty so soon after missing the first. Many other players would have backed away. Maybe this, as well as the constant chanting of his name after both efforts, will give him the confidence that he needs.
Can They Hold Their Position?
The win takes Paul Tisdale MK Dons above his former side Exeter by a point and a place. Lincoln City still lead the way with four wins and a draw from their opening games, with the Dons and Exeter making up the other automatic promotion places. The top two are among four teams yet to taste defeat in League Two; Mansfield and Forest Green have a win and four draws each from their opening five matches.
If the defence can continue their positive start to the season, the Dons will have an excellent base on which to continue their start to the season. Kieran Agard needs a bit more confidence, which will only come with game time, and the other attackers looking likely to remain in and around the first team, Simpson and Healey, will need to take their chances when they are given them, especially as the Dons may still have Robbie Muirhead to bring on in their place. The Scottish forward has only made one appearance so far after rumours that he wants to move on, but there has been nothing reported about teams coming in for him.
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