Swindon Town 2, MK Dons 1

Swindon Town remain top of League 2 after scoring 2 penalties against the Milton Keynes Dons this evening at the County Ground.

Dons took the lead mid first half when Swindon failed to clear a corner and Jon-Paul McGovern managed to get on the end of it and give the visitors a 1-0 other The Robins.

The resilient Robins who last season would have given up and become frustrated after going 1-0 down so early in the game got back into the game thanks to Paul Ince who was making his first start since signing for Swindon. Ince was brought down by Dean Lewington and the referee awarded a penalty. Jack Smith stepped up and slotted in the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 going into the break.

Town enjoyed most of the possession in the second half but Town got a lucky break when they were awarded with another penalty mid second half. Andy Caton was brought down by Lewington, coincidentally the player who caused the first penalty also. Paul Evans stepped up and scored Town`s second to make it 2-1 to the home side.

Town had a late scare infront of the 8,000 plus as the MK Dons appeared to have equalised with about 2 minutes to go. A cracking shot from Ben Chorley looked destined to go in, however the shot found the woodwork and then finally the final whistle went to ensure Swindon remain undefeated at home and remain top of League Two.

Player Ratings

Peter Brezovan – 7
Was not overly busy, couldn’t really do much about the first goal which went to MK Dons.

Jack Smith – 7
Played well and made some decent tackles. Took his penalty well before going off with a dead leg 5 minutes into the 2nd half.

Andy Nicholas – 7
I felt Nicho was one of the best players during the evening. Did what he had to do and frustrated the Dons.

Ady Williams – 6
Did what he had to do and controlled his players.

* Jerel Ifil – 8
“The beast” was well and truly back and back to the form that has made him a player to be feared this season.

Andy Caton – 6
Has impressed since coming back this season. Missed all of last season due to various injuries. This kid is someone to keep an eye on.

Curtis Weston – 6
Did ok alongside Paul Ince. Weston will learn a lot from Ince. Wasn’t affraid to tackle.

Paul Ince – 7
Kept the midfield together. The Guv’nor will be a bright influence on the teams young midfielders.

Paul Evans – 7
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. This player could be the signing of the season. Gives us what we have missed for years in midfield. Another nice goal for Evans. I remember when Evans played for Swindon against Reading’s pre-season friendly…

Christian Roberts – 6
Ran his heart out but failed to score. Put some good crosses in. Was the target of Martin Allen who thought Roberts should have been red careded for a challenge late in the game.

Lee Peacock – 6
Work rate was good however, Peacock still has problems with the finishing product. Should have scored atleast 2 goals. His time will come.

Manager Rating
Dennis Wise 8 – After the teams loss at Wrexham he had to dig deep and ensure his players were not scared of losing again. Putting experienced heads Ince and Evans in midfield was a good move, the 2 veterens along with Ady Williams gave the team a good combination of young and old.

Opponent Rating
Martin Allen 7 – He was loud, slammed the ref and obnoxious yes it’s Martin Allen. Allen complained about the referee, lack of first team players and basically blamed everyone but himself. The Dons did well with their makeshift team and looked threatening at times. You can hate Martin Allen all you want but he seems to know how to get the best out of players. No one can question that.