Milton Keynes Dons 3-1 Rochdale

Dale's poor run of form continued at Stadium:MK with a 3-1 defeat. Brian Barry-Murphy's long range free kick gave the travelling faithful hope of a change in fortunes but the home side hit back with a quick fire 3 within a 15 minute spell to seal the points.

Steve Eyre made 4 changes to the side that lost to Leyton Orient last weekend. Dave Lucas replaced Jake Kean who has been recalled by Blackburn Rovers whilst new signing Dean Holden replaced the injured Pim Balkestein. Stephen Jordan came in at left back whilst Brian Barry-Murphy made up a 5 man midfield.

Up against a side that are unbeaten at home in the league, Dale started the game the better of the 2 teams and took the lead on 8 minutes through a superb Barry-Murphy free-kick. Nicky Adams was upended wide on the right and the Dale midfielder sent the 25 yard free-kick over everybody including the Dons keeper and into the top corner.

That goal sparked the home side into action and they were level within 9 minutes. With no real apparent danger, full back Adam Smith unleashed an unstoppable 35 yard thunderbolt to level the scores.

Dons took the lead just 5 minutes later through Charlie MacDonald. Powell beat Jordan for pace down the right before firing a low ball into the 6 yard box which was met by the home number 10 to turn home.

Looking well in control, it was no surprise when Karl Robinson's men extended their lead just after the half hour mark. Static defending from Dale allowed Chadwick to race into the area before playing the ball to Beevers – still up from a Dons corner; to control inside the 6 yard box and push the ball home for 3-1.

Gleeson almost made it 4 on 43 minutes but his curling effort was off target.

Nicky Adams almost cut the deficit in first half stoppage time when his cross-cum-shot grazed the bar and over.

The Dons signalled their intent of not relaxing within 30 seconds of the restart when MacDonald turned Holden on the edge of the area but fired wide and Lucas had to be at his best to tip Chadwick’s curling shot around the post.

Stephen Jordan gifted Chadwick another chance with a poor cross field pass but Holden was quick to react to prevent the danger.

Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro and new signing Harry Bunn were introduced midway through the second half and their energy gave Dale a spell of possession.

Bunn's tenacious play led to a shot that he screwed wide whilst Akpa-Akpro's strong holdup play set up Jones but Holden got in his skippers way when he was about to pull the trigger. From that chance the home side hit Dale on the counter attack but Powell was denied by Lucas when one-on-one.

Dale's best chance of the second period came with 5 minutes of time remaining. Akpa-Akpro's quick break found Grimes but the former City man couldn't apply the finishing touch after he cut back onto his favoured right foot inside the area.

The last real chance of the game came from the home side in the dying moments, Substitute Angelo Balanta hitting the outside of the Dale post.

It was a game that Rochdale weren't expected to get much out of but it's a result that will still see more pressure heaped on manager Steve Eyre going into the 2 cup fixtures next week.

Eyre, said: “I’m disappointed with the result but not so much with the performance but we seem to be being handicapped weekly with the goals that we are conceding. We wanted to be careful with our approach to this game and got the bonus of going in front.

“This fixture against MK Dons; home or away is going to be difficult as they are really good side.

“We had a good stature with regards our shape but it leaves us less potent. Ashley Grimes was exposed at times and we feel disappointed for him but we look at the goals going into the back of our net. Brian’s goal was meant, we work on getting them on target. Once that goes in we need better ball retention but MK Dons spread us in the forward play and that left gaps”

Att:7120

Rochdale: Lucas, Jordan, Holness, Holden, Darby, Jones (C), Tutte (Eccleston 79), Barry-Murphy, Kennedy (Akpa-Akpro 63),  Adams (Bunn 74), Grimes

Subs (not used):Edwards, Gray,

MK Dons: Martin, Smith, Lewington (C), Beevers, Gleeson, Potter, MacDonald (Balanta 84), Flanagan, Powell, Ibehre (Williams 89), Chadwick (Bowditch 75)

Subs (not used): McLoughlin, Mackenzie

Referee: Mr A Woolmer
Ass Referee: Mr J O'Brien, Mr J Hillier
4th Official: Mr J Scott