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MK Dons Report: "Goal Fest"
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Sunday, November 05, 2006
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Report By Rhys Turrell
The seagulls progressed to the quarter - finals of the Johnston's Paint trophy with a goal fest against lower-division MK.
The rout began with a well-worked free kick, some 25 - 30 yards
away from goal. A dummy movement from Cox allowed Mayo to pass to Hammond
who then passed to the now unmarked Cox who had made a great run round the
blindside of the defence and finished coolly into the bottom corner. In a
previous attack he saw his well-placed effort finger tipped around the post
by the Dons's stopper. Albion continued to show a positive performance after
the goal, with good forward momentum being rewarded with several shots
testing the MK backline. And it was the impressive Revell who doubled Albion's
lead on 37 minutes when he finished a flowing Albion move. Hammond played an
exquisite pass to Fraser on the right-flank who looked up and saw Robinson,
the subsequent pull-back was flung goalwards by Robinson and Revell was able
to power in a header past the helpless 'keeper. The home side continued to
dominate the possession and were inches away from taking in a much deserved
3-goal cushion. It was the inventive Cox who was again the key with his
rasping volley being tipped over by the Dons' stopper who was at full
stretch.
As it was however, the Seagulls took a two-goal advantage into
the break after seemingly enjoying their performance in the first period
were they bossed all areas of the park and where El-Abd and Hammond in
particular could set the tempo and direction of the match at their leisure.
The Dons' task was made much tougher when £million rated striker Izale
McLeod was take off injured. He was shortly followed by central half O'Hanlon,
and it was his removal that caused the most disruption to the MK defence.
The second-period was much the same as the first, with the
Albion controlling the game and peppering the visitors' goal with several
strikes. The away side began to start taking more risks higher up the
field - in an attempt to get back in the game - only to be halted by a
fabulous long range shot from Revell which capped off a brilliant man of
match performance. His hold-up play and aerial prowess were successful and
is really beginning to settle in as a first-choice leader of the forward
line. The seagulls were pegged back when Sam Page nodded in a free-header
just two minutes after Revell's strike but this was never going to be more
than a consolation and in 87th minute captain Hammond cutely placed a shot
into the bottom right-hand corner to complete the scoring and round off a
successful performance by the ever-improving Seagulls.
Wilkins seems to have stumbled across a very solid and resolute
Albion team who, lead by the imperious Hinshelwood and Butters at the back,
and El-Abd and Hammond in the midfield engine room have now got a strong
spine to the side and with confidence flooding back to our young squad the
future looks promising. Bring on Bradford!
Player Rating (Out of 10)
Henderson: Little to do but was alert when threats were posed, good
distribution - in particular with Cox. Seems t be more composed with the
steady head of Butters and is relishing this run of games. 6
Mayo: Solid and offered good shape and balance to the side. Unglamourless
and unfussy but then again would we expect it any other way? 6
Butters: His return has coincided with upturn in form and I believe this no
coincidence. His partnership with Hinsh is blossoming and they form a steady
and reliable pairing. 6
Hinshelwood: Much the same a Butters in another composed performance from
the versatile defender. 6
Whing: Offered good width and balance and always looks to attack and
provides good support higher up the field. His presence will probably only
be felt once he leaves. 6
Cox: Gets better with every performance and his long range passing really
helps to switch the play and bring others into the game. A creative gem that
should be given the chance to play naturally and give his own impact on the
side. And he is. 8
El-Abd: Trundles around midfield and generally marshals everything going
through, he might be no-frills but his contribution to the side largely goes
unnoticed. 6
Hammond: His form has defiantly improved recently, and whether that is
through him taking on the captaincy or having El-Abd mopping up behind him,
when he is on his game he can e very useful to the Seagulls. 6
Fraser: Seemed a bit off colour tonight and was largely well off the pace,
however he kept his head-up and continued to work hard to keep a good shape
and balance to the Albion. May struggle to keep his place for Saturday with
the impressive Bowditch staking his claim. 5
Robinson: Was a constant threat and his pacey drives always put the visitors
on the back foot. Came close with a few efforts but wouldn't go in for him
tonight. Is brimming with confidence which is great to see. 7
Revell: M.O.M - without a doubt. Has clearly worked on his hold-up play and
his aerial ability help's the Albion when on throw-in's and diagonal balls.
Has now bedded into the team and works so hard for them. Deserved everything
he got tonight. 9
Subs
Bowditch (for Fraser) - showed some excellent touches and a real desire to
get forward and score could be a big hit for us whilst on loan. 6
Lynch (for Mayo) - too little time for much of an impact but was steady and
largely unnoticeable. 6
Gatting (for Revell) - No time. 6
Report By Rhys Turrell Labels: League One, MK Dons, Rhys Turrell
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