Milton Keynes Dons 2 - 2 Huddersfield Town |
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Stadium: National Hockey Std.
Coca Cola League One Game
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Kickoff: 19.45
Date: Thursday, 8th December 2005
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Town threw away two points at the death against MK Dons after being two goals up with under ten minutes remaining, to slip two points behind league leaders Swansea. Pawel Abbott had put Town ahead on 6 minutes with his first in eight games, and Andy Booth doubled the score in the second half on his thirty-second birthday. Unfortunately, a sweet free kick and an Izale Mcleod equaliser meant that Town would make the long journey home with one point to show for their efforts, after losing both Brandon and Mirfin in second half injury time to double yellows.
Town seized the early initiative, and after an Abbott half chance, the Pole turned provider to Andy Booth. His deep cross found the tall forward in the area and his first-time drive was superbly directed around the post by a diving Baker. Town only had to wait a few more minutes for the breakthrough, when after 6 minutes of play Abbott hit the net. Another Brandon cross set up Abbott who headed home from close range with help from the inside of the post.
With little real action taking place as far as goalmouth action was concerned, much was happening as far as the referee's book was concerned. After 10 minutes Mark Hudson found his name in the book, and he was shortly followed by David Mirfin. Danny Adams then recieved his fifth booking of the season, and a scuffle between Worthington, Abbott and Smith saw Abbott and Smith both entered.
The score could have been made equal after 39 minutes, when a corner found the Dons' captain. His header whistled past the post. Straight down to the other end and Town should have been two up. Keeper Baker's clearance was scuffed and found it's way to the feet of Pawel Abbott. Abbott decided not to take it first time but to move towards goal, and his effort was expertly saved by the recovering keeper.
Half Time
MK Dons 0 - 1 Huddersfield Town
The Don's half time team talk appeared to have an effect on their players as the early parts of the second half unfolded. They began to threaten immediately, and frontman Clive Platt headed over from close range. Platt was again at the centre of the action moments later when his shot on the turn was blocked by the outstretched legs of Nathan Clarke. Izale Mcleod then had his first real chance of the game on 60 minutes from outside the area. His attempt was powerful and thankfully just wide.
Town went two up with their first attack of the half on 64 minutes. A deep Adams cross found Booth who flung himself at the ball and directed it past the flailing Baker. The Dons looked to bounce back immediately with the introduction of Nicky Rizzo, who's long range shot moments later was way over the bar.
Following another half-chance for Booth, Milton Keynes were to force their way back into the game. Firstly, an impressive save by Paul Rachubka denied Izale Mcleod before Nicky Rizzo's precise freekick left the goalkeeper with no chance. Only two minutes later Mcleod levelled the scores, latching onto a Smith cross and slotting home from around the penalty spot.
As Town began to push for a late winner, Andy Holdsworth found himself with a view to goal. He advance and shot but his effort was saved down low. David Mirfin was then dismissed for his second yellow of the evening after being judged to be the last man, tripping Smith on the edge of the Town area.
Despite this it was the Terriers who had the best chance to take all the points. Pawel Abbott broke and unselfishly decided to pick out Worthington. The midfielder had only the keeper to beat but his effort bobbled onto the foot of the post. The night got worse for Town, when on 94 minutes Chris Brandon recieved two yellows within 60 seconds.
Full Time
MK Dons 2 - 2 Huddersfield Town
Disappointing in the end, I would have thought Jacko would have changed the team that player on Sunday a little more, as they looked fatigued towards the end. Abbott was impressive upon his return, and Nat Clarke had a solid game at the back.
Milton Keynes Dons
M Baker, T McClenahan, D Lewington, C Morgan, B Chorley, W Small (63 M Kamara) , P Mitchell (71 N Rizzo) , C Platt (66 A Wilbraham) , I McLeod, G Smith, S Quinn
Subs: G Edds, M Kamara, N Rizzo, A Wilbraham, P Mills
Huddersfield Town
P Rachubka, A Holdsworth, D Adams, M Hudson, D Mirfin, N Clarke, C Brandon, P Abbott, G Taylor-Fletcher, J Worthington, A Booth
Subs: T Carss, A Ahmed, T Clarke, P Senior, M Collins
Ref: C Penton
Att: 4832
Match Report brought to you by,
Neil Armstead, www.Terrier-Bytes.com
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