A stunning solo effort from debutant Frankie Okoronkwo saw MK Dons suffer their third defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to Karl Robinson’s Salford City.
The result left Milton Keynes in 19th, having won just a single encounter. They’ve also now lost to two former managers in four games, having also been defeated by Graham Alexander at Bradford City.
MK Dons dominated the early stages, applying relentless pressure on Salford. Alex Gilbey nearly put the visitors ahead in the first minute, only to see his shot well saved by Jamie Jones.
Aaron Nemane was a constant threat for MK Dons during the first half. He set up Joe Tomlinson with a perfect pass, but his effort was blocked by Jones. Nemane then saw his shot denied by the in-form Salford goalkeeper just before the break.
However, Salford broke the deadlock through a moment of brilliance from their new signing Okoronkwo. The 19-year-old, on loan from Everton, weaved his way past two MK Dons defenders and beat Luke Offord on the edge of the area before unleashing a precise left-footed strike that left goalkeeper Tom McGill with no chance.
Despite a flurry of chances in the second half, including a crucial save from Jones to tip Tommy Leigh’s shot onto the post, MK Dons couldn’t find an equalizer, leaving them to rue missed opportunities as Salford secured the win.
Manager Mike Williamson, who took his side to the top seven last season, spoke to press after the game, and was clearly not happy with his side’s haul of three points from four fixtures.
“The points return obviously is not acceptable,” he told the MK Citizen. “We know the lads are all hurting in there. I’ve been critical over being clinical, and decision making but I can’t be critical over their effort, energy and desire to want to score a goal.
“Everyone knows, it’s obvious, but we have to make sure everyone is sticking to the process. It will turn, it will change, we know that. It’s not far away. Of course, we have to be more clinical, take our chances and not get hit on the counter and the lads know that.”
MK are back in action this weekend as they host Walsall, but fans will be hoping for significant change a week after that, when the original Dons, Wimbledon, host Milton Keynes at Plough Lane.
Writer’s View
Wimbledon in a fortnight. Defeat in that game could spell real trouble for Milton Keynes, as it’s a derby like no other. How many other clubs can claim to be playing themselves?
That’s not the issue here, but it is always a side story when these two are in the same division. The issue here is whether MK can pull themselves out of the hole they’re in. Salford didn’t win at a canter last night, and the Ammies are expected to be right up there come the end of the season, so this result might not be quite as bad as it looks.
MK won’t be 19th at the end of the season, so Williamson’s opinion does feel accurate. The issue is how quickly they can turn it around.
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