MK Dons ended their winless streak in Sky Bet League One with victory over Coventry City. The visitors hadn’t won in the league since a 2-0 victory at Oldham on 1st October. However, Ed Upson’s brace ensured that the Dons left the Ricoh Arena with all three points.
The Dons travelled to Coventry knowing that they had not yet won at the Ricoh Arena. They did record an away victory over the Sky Blues in the 2013/14 season, however this was when the hosts and Northampton were sharing the Cobblers’ Sixfields ground with Coventry.
Coventry City vs MK Dons – 26/11/16
Getting into winning positions hasn’t been a huge problem for MK Dons. This was shown when the visitors took the lead in the 35th minute. Dean Lewington whipped in a cross from the left, and Upson climbed above his marker to beat Lee Burge in the Coventry goal.
On the contrary, a major problem that the Dons do have is not being able to hold leads. They’ve dropped points from winning positions against both Bristol Rovers and Chesterfield at home this season. It happened again today. Having been ahead for just three minutes, Coventry equalised through Ben Stevenson. David Martin scuffed his clearance, and the ball fell to Stevenson 30-yards from goal who swept a magnificent effort into the top corner.
Stevenson would eventually become the villain for Coventry though. In the 74th minute, his lunge on Dean Lewington was deemed to be worthy of a red card by referee Andy Davies. With the hosts down to 10-men, the Dons had just 15 minutes to find the win.
Perhaps surprisingly, they did find a win. Coventry failed to clear from a Dons attack, and amidst the scramble, Ben Reeves’ heavy touch fell to Upson. The shot from Upson was struck sweetly into the corner of the net, to give him his first two goals for MK Dons.
The Dons held on for their first league win in almost two months; a win that lifts them out of the relegation zone. Their next game is in the Checkatrade Trophy away at Yeovil Town, followed by another away trip to Charlton in the FA Cup; a visit to ex-manager Karl Robinson, who joined the Addicks earlier in the week.
The Managerial Situation
Richie Barker once again took charge of the side for this game. An interview with Pete Winkelman was posted by the club’s social media accounts within the last few days. It shows the club chairman suggesting that a new manager could be in place by the Charlton game next week.
There’s still no news on the potential replacement for Karl Robinson. This is especially since the high-profile link with Steven Gerrard. Steve Cotterill still remains the favourite, but nothing is being said by the club.
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