Two crucial away wins at Newport and Carlisle respectively put a spring back in the step at Stadium Mk. Today’s challenge against Newport on paper looked tough.

There is undisputed quality in the side. Joe Day is one of the best keepers in the league, Willmot has great distribution with the ball and Amond and Matt are having solid seasons up front. Two changes from Carlisle, both enforced, due to injuries to Martin and Cargill yet it still looked a competitive line-up for Tisdale’s men.

Good tempo to the first half suggested Newport weren’t coming just for a point. There was a purpose maybe without any end product with Bakinson and Willmot looking dangerous. MK passing was a bit wayward at the start but I put that down to the stop start nature of the game. Lengthy injuries to Baudry and a Newport player disrupted an intriguing game. The match sparked into life on the 26th minute when MK Dons won a dubious penalty. In fact, there was a challenge on McGrandles that looked more of a penalty earlier. Agard stepped up and Day made a good save. Wasn’t right in the corner but the ‘keeper reacted quickly to push it away.

The second half started and Newport came out brightly and with intent but again lacking a final ball. Then MK Dons won a succession of corners and from one of them scored. A short corner between Lewington and McGrandles resulted in the latter lifting a ball to the far post and Cisse placed a header into the far corner. He deserved that for his industry and hard work. Newport then again had the possession but were unable to break down a stubborn defence. By this time Houghton and Aneke had come on for the unfortunate Baudry and Wheeler. A few goalmouth scrambles and near misses on the counter attack by the home side resulted in the killer goal by Aneke. He got the ball just past half-way, drew the defender one on one, got a lucky break and dispatched past the unfortunate Day.

All in all a satisfactory days work. Three points needed with the top three all winning plus a clean sheet and a great team performance.

Special mention to the quartet of Moore, Brittain, McGrandles and Cisse. All have come in and steadied the ship. Cisse himself looks a different player from last year. Less tricks and flicks, more composure and good decision making. This time last season he was one of many scapegoats. Now he’s put in the hard work and commitment needed to win the battles of League Two.

Newport looked tired in the last third and it’s a shame their play-off push is faltering. I’m just wondering if they can push on next season. Can see a lot of talent being scouted and just wonder if they can replace any quality they lose.

Words Jonathan Harries, MK Dons fan and writer