Swindon’s automatic promotion aspirations took a significant dent with defeat to MK Dons on Saturday.
Goals from Alex Gilbey and Marvin Ekpiteta either side of an Ollie Clarke equaliser, saw Town leave undeservedly empty handed.
In a huge match which could go some way in determining promotion, Ian Holloway made four changes. Junior Hoilett and Ryan Tafazolli were amongst those who came in with Ollie Palmer dropping out.
Swindon, winless in three, came up against a MK Dons team who were unbeaten in 11. Town’s last victory over their visitors at The County Ground came in 2012.
After viewing a dull aerial battle for 25 minutes, Ryan Tafazolli sparked affairs into life when he charged through midfield and slipped through Ollie Clarke. Swindon’s skipper saw his stabbed effort clawed and tipped behind for a corner.
Despite the form guide, the two teams were well matched heading towards half time. Swindon had battled well, looked bright in attack, and stopped their visitors settling on the ball.
However, Swindon’s hard work was nearly undone when Tom Nichols was dispossessed on halfway; Aaron Collins broke down the left and squared it for Alex Gilbey. The Dons midfielder awfully fired over from point blank range with the goal gaping.
Gilbey wouldn’t have to wait long to make amends, with his low shot a minute later taking a wicked deflection and past Ripley into the bottom corner. Just like that Town’s efforts were in vain.
Milton Keynes would go into the break a goal to the good, but Town will certainly have felt encouraged by their first half efforts.
Swindon’s efforts would be rewarded 10 minutes into the second half. Aaron Drinan raced onto a ball in behind and found Ollie Clarke arriving in the box. Clarke did superbly to improvise and juggle, eventually poking home with his left foot.
Three minutes after the hour mark Ben Wiles put a fantastic ball across the face of goal where Scott Hogan was inches away from converting.
At the other end, Craig MacGillivray got down well to save a low Drinan effort hit on the half turn.
The visitors stole the lead with 11 minutes to play. A deep cross into the back post caused Town chaos. Marvin Ekpiteta got the important touch to bundle home.
Swindon looked to reply on the stroke of the 90th minute when Gavin Kilkenny’s cross found the head of Drinan coming away from goal. Town’s top scorer could only find the throat of MacGillivray.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article