Going into yesterday’s game Mk Dons were on a three-game League One losing streak.

Poor first-half performances then strong second-half performances were becoming a recurring theme. Driving with my friend to Milton Keynes, we were hopeful our fortunes would turn. At the same time, we knew it would be a struggle especially since our squad is depleted of forward options.

Rhys Healey, Ben Reeves, Joe Mason, and Kieran Agard were all confirmed absent pre-match……..then 2 pm team news…… where’s Nombe. Tisdale confirmed post-match he’d picked up an injury in training yesterday and would be out until the New Year. Absolutely devastating for everyone associated with the club but especially Sam Nombe who’d been a silver lining in an average start to the season.

This meant more responsibility was on Jordan Bowery to lead the line with McGrandles Gilbey and Boateng there to give him support. George Williams although injured himself made a place on the bench alongside Jordan Moore Taylor and Bailey Cargill Both returning from injury.

Mk Dons started the game well getting the ball forward at every opportunity, Alex Gilbey with our best chance heading wide when well placed. Burton were happy to sit back and counter-attack when possible. They had one guilt edge chance when Nichols sliced a back pass but he made up for his error with a good save when in fairness Broadhead should have buried then after half an hour Burton took the lead. Boyce pouncing with a diving header. Another sloppy defensive mistake punished. From then on the player’s confidence was shot. Wayward passes, balls lumped up to Bowery were awful. When he did flick it on no one was near him. Aimless balls into the box and all of a sudden we were a team without cohesion and belief.

Tisdale changed it second half bringing Asinganyi on for Martin with little effect. In all honesty, there wasn’t a shot of any note in the game that stretched the Burton goalkeeper and if it wasn’t for Nichols it could have been worse. Sarkic curled a beauty in the top corner and the impressive Boyce added a third late on.

Fair play Burton. They were organised and ruthless. Boyce was the standout with a great all-round performance with o Toole, Broadhead and Fraser also impressive. Not quite sure if they’ll make playoffs with the calibre of teams in League One but they may surprise a few teams.

Mk Dons now have a week before a trip to Bristol Rovers. Time to refresh and reset it’s going to be a tough period but trust in Tisdale the form will turn.

words Jonathan Harries, MK Dons fan