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This Saturday sees the confident Super U’s travel to Stadium MK to do battle with Scott Lindsey’s MK Dons.
They have 2 wins from their last 15 games whilst we are unbeaten for 8 games.
League placings - top Walsall 33 67 Bradford 33 60 Doncaster Rovers 33 58 Wimbledon 32 57 Notts Co 32 57 PV 31 55 Crewe 33 52 Grimsby 32 51 Salford 32 48 Bromley 33 45 Cheltenham 32 45 Fleetwood 33 44 COL U 32 43 Chesterfield 31 42
MK Dons 32 39
Now as I mentioned the other week we are well and truly safe from Relegation after some inspired performances and results but if we are serious about a top seven finish then we must start to turn draws into victories.
DC can now afford to be adventurous with his team selections.
MK Dons with Alex Gilbey in their ranks are desperate for a victory and Lindsey has piled the pressure on them by insisting on a win against Colchester on Saturday.
This is just the game that we need after some tough fixtures against the promotion hopefuls. We will have more than 1,000 of the faithful present on Saturday afternoon and if we are to “put on a show” as the faithful often sing then three points at Stadium MK is a must and certainly possible.
Three points are the only game in town essentially if we are to close the gap. I think that Crewe are vulnerable in seventh place and I think we can not only close the gap but also take over that position. 14 games to play and 29 more points required to reach the magical 72 mark which will secure seventh position.
MK Dons Away Chesterfield Home Cheltenham Away PV Home Fleetwood Home Bradford Away Grimsby Home Gillingham Away Notts Co Home Newport Away Crewe Home Doncaster Away Salford Away Barrow Home
Now we may need to win 9 of these 14 games but it is possible. Doncaster Rovers almost pulled off the impossible last year and our task is not as great.
DC is safe from relegation so let’s see some expansive football and plenty of opportunity to take the game to the opposition.
Tomorrow we have to play without Owura Edwards and possibly Teddy Bishop but we have JK Gordon and Arthur Read waiting in the wings together with arguably the best striker in Samson Tovide who wants to play and score more goals.
Lyle Taylor has had a couple of lean weeks in front of goal and is due a goal or two.
We have KVY back in the fold and looking imperious coming off the bench. Antony Scully is maybe a fortnight away from first team action and then youngsters Kyreece Lisbie and ken Aboh are primed and ready to go.
Tyreece Simpson is also available so there is no shortage of strikers to score some vital goals.
So, let’s go for the following starting XI tomorrow:
With 14 games to play and safety already assured I want to see bold, adventurous football. No fear, a degree of respect yes but any team is beatable in this league. The players and DC are talking about setting targets and there is only one that matters, the seventh place in the league. Until it is mathematically impossible we must believe that we can achieve it and the team is good enough to secure those points.
Weather in Milton Keynes on St David’s Day will be 9 degrees Celsius, sunny, no rain and no breeze, in fact ideal for football.
With more than 1,000 of the faithful there will be no shortage of support for the U’s. Safe journey to those travelling and enjoy the game and more importantly the three points. 14 cup finals, 29 points required. Come on the U’s.
Score prediction MK Dons 1 Colchester United 3 (Tovide, Taylor and Payne).
Roar them to victory in darkest Buckinghamshire. Up the U’s
[Post edited 1 Mar 8:41]
Durham_exile
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 14:29 - Feb 28 with 1369 views
14 games to go and only five are against teams below us in the table. Gillingham, in 19th, are currently the lowest placed team we're due to face. I guess if we want to move up the table beating those above us is the best way of doing it.
I still think we're too far behind seventh with too many teams ahead of us, especially after three consecutive draws, but it would be nice to still have some hope of the play-offs going into April. We're going to need a big March if that's to happen and with seven games next month, four of them at home, it's certainly doable.
Bit of an odd one really. We mainly controlled the first half but couldn't quite manage to score. Then in the second half, especially after the raft of substitutions, we lost control of the midfield and looked panicky in defence at times. Finally, probably against the run of play at that point, we get the pen and see out the remaining minutes comfortably. We must now go all out on Tuesday night to set out our stall for the play offs.
1,330 U’s fans there yesterday. We were in control for most of the first half, without really getting into top gear. MK changed things around for the second half, which was a much more even affair. I didn’t spot the handball at the game, most of us weren’t even sure a penalty had been awarded, but it was clear as day on the highlights. Although they will, the franchise should have no complaints about either the penalty or the red card. Also, the catering facilities seemed a bit unprepared for the numbers, and ran out of hot food at halftime.
Not surprised at the catering issues. MKD were evidently unprepared. Apart from the result the experience was pretty ghastly for many. Over bearing security on entry, but zero inside. Frankly, it was hard to see anything when so many kids were standing and showing total disrespect for older less able fans. Despite polite requests, the stewards did nothing to enforce the EFL all seated rules.
Frankly, I have no problem with the kids standing where reasonable, but please do so only at the back. There were acres of empty space with good viewing at our end, but we couldn’t move into it because of canvass barriers. Given the huge stadium capacity, why corral 1300+ away fans into a corner space that could barely hold 1350 and then not enforce pre-match seat selection? I arrived at 1440 and considering the magnificence of the stadium was forced to stand myself for much of the game else see nothing. The two (far more) aged couples to my left saw zilch, and left commenting that they won’t travel away again if this is how U’s fans behave (e.g. refusing to sit after polite requests to do so). I blame the stadium for not offering more seating space so the wishes of both groups could be satisfied, or else enforce seating restrictions.
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 10:48 - Mar 2 with 490 views
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 09:26 - Mar 2 by noah4x4
Not surprised at the catering issues. MKD were evidently unprepared. Apart from the result the experience was pretty ghastly for many. Over bearing security on entry, but zero inside. Frankly, it was hard to see anything when so many kids were standing and showing total disrespect for older less able fans. Despite polite requests, the stewards did nothing to enforce the EFL all seated rules.
Frankly, I have no problem with the kids standing where reasonable, but please do so only at the back. There were acres of empty space with good viewing at our end, but we couldn’t move into it because of canvass barriers. Given the huge stadium capacity, why corral 1300+ away fans into a corner space that could barely hold 1350 and then not enforce pre-match seat selection? I arrived at 1440 and considering the magnificence of the stadium was forced to stand myself for much of the game else see nothing. The two (far more) aged couples to my left saw zilch, and left commenting that they won’t travel away again if this is how U’s fans behave (e.g. refusing to sit after polite requests to do so). I blame the stadium for not offering more seating space so the wishes of both groups could be satisfied, or else enforce seating restrictions.
That’s odd, because I heard one steward tell a father and son that seats were basically unallocated and to sit wherever they wanted to. You’re right, given the stadium was nearly 3/4 empty, why pen the U’s supporters into a section with barely enough seats for all of them. Btw, I found my seat row, but couldn’t for the life of me see any seat numbers anywhere?
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 10:48 - Mar 2 by wessex_exile
That’s odd, because I heard one steward tell a father and son that seats were basically unallocated and to sit wherever they wanted to. You’re right, given the stadium was nearly 3/4 empty, why pen the U’s supporters into a section with barely enough seats for all of them. Btw, I found my seat row, but couldn’t for the life of me see any seat numbers anywhere?
The seat numbers are underneath so can only be seen if the seat is in its upright position. But unless a contortionist, you only notice these on any unoccupied seats in the rows behind as these numbers are located deep set about ankle height. However, the policy was patently “sit where you like” which produced a shambles.
Wessex, I saw you parked just below the disabled gallery which was chokka with folk trying to get to any place from where they might have an unobscured view. The large away numbers was clearly not thought through by the MKD management. They didn’t even properly open the exit gates so that was a crush. But few clubs do, as everywhere we go there seems to be one issue or another (example, Harrogate no bus drop off permitted for disabled, Bromley inadequate ladies loos and catering). The Jobserve isn’t perfect, but the Legends Bar and Fan Zone welcomes travelling fans.
We were also initially refused access to the Red Dot Bar where we have always been made welcome in the past. The nearest pub is 1.8 miles away. We got in after arguing it was disability discrimination given our average age exceeded 70. Clubs have become distinctly less welcoming for honest decent away fans.
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 13:34 - Mar 2 with 430 views
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 20:42 - Mar 2 by MarkyMark47
I don't think they would be remotely interested.
It did cross my mind after what happened when we beat Norwich 1 - 7. But I agree, DC & NC are unlikely to take on the impossible challenge for league two money. But what if Manure or Chelsea came after DC & NC? Nobody will turn down £millions for potentially a one year gig. I would be surprised if they stayed after winning promotion, so maybe best we fall short this season. Parky didn’t…..
[Post edited 3 Mar 7:55]
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 08:34 - Mar 3 with 127 views
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 09:26 - Mar 2 by noah4x4
Not surprised at the catering issues. MKD were evidently unprepared. Apart from the result the experience was pretty ghastly for many. Over bearing security on entry, but zero inside. Frankly, it was hard to see anything when so many kids were standing and showing total disrespect for older less able fans. Despite polite requests, the stewards did nothing to enforce the EFL all seated rules.
Frankly, I have no problem with the kids standing where reasonable, but please do so only at the back. There were acres of empty space with good viewing at our end, but we couldn’t move into it because of canvass barriers. Given the huge stadium capacity, why corral 1300+ away fans into a corner space that could barely hold 1350 and then not enforce pre-match seat selection? I arrived at 1440 and considering the magnificence of the stadium was forced to stand myself for much of the game else see nothing. The two (far more) aged couples to my left saw zilch, and left commenting that they won’t travel away again if this is how U’s fans behave (e.g. refusing to sit after polite requests to do so). I blame the stadium for not offering more seating space so the wishes of both groups could be satisfied, or else enforce seating restrictions.
The last time I saw Sunderland play away was twenty-five years ago losing 1-0 at Blackburn in The F.A. Cup. I have two memories of that match. One that we were unlucky but the other that practically all the thousands of Sunderland supporters stood for the entire ninety minutes. I looked at a poor old fellow too frail to stand and unable to see the pitch and thought how selfish and thoughtless those fans were. Of course it has become the norm but that doesn't make it any less objectionable.
I hope the introduction of safe standing might alleviate the problem but I won't hold my breath.
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 08:57 - Mar 3 with 122 views
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 15:16 - Mar 2 by wessex_exile
Well, Nigel Adkins somehow had a temporary stay of execution, but Scott Lindsey couldn't dodge the Lose to the U's curse, and has just been sacked.
What a ridiculous decision. We only have to look at how long it has taken the brothers to mould the squad into shape to see managers/coaches need time and patience.
Lindsey was a very popular appointment when he arrived. His Crawley team had thrashed MK Dons in last season's play-off semi-final and been promoted. I know there has been a growing discontentment among much of MK's support but a good owner needs to back his manager and ignore the siren calls, at least till he's had a year and a couple of windows. Scott Lindsey had five months.
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 09:48 - Mar 3 with 95 views
Some fat cat Kuwaiti investors have evidently bought into the glamour of a “premier league stadium” (originally funded by ASDA and other property investors) oblivious of the challenges. They now want instant success and their next move will be interesting given the mechanism for financial fair play rules and MKD ‘s fast falling gates.
I reckon there are many parallels between our two clubs. Both are located in new cities where the indigenous population has remained fairly static and growth has been fuelled by London commuters having zero affinity to the local football club. It may take generations to achieve any increase in attendances in proportion to population growth. The smaller Jobserve Stadium is more sustainable relative to local population whereas MK Dons are rumoured to have the largest wage bill, have the largest stadium costs, and now declining gates. It’s a truly poisonous situation given FFP regulations.
It’s going to be a brave man that takes the job.
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Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 12:44 - Mar 3 with 22 views
Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK on 11:08 - Mar 3 by noah4x4
Some fat cat Kuwaiti investors have evidently bought into the glamour of a “premier league stadium” (originally funded by ASDA and other property investors) oblivious of the challenges. They now want instant success and their next move will be interesting given the mechanism for financial fair play rules and MKD ‘s fast falling gates.
I reckon there are many parallels between our two clubs. Both are located in new cities where the indigenous population has remained fairly static and growth has been fuelled by London commuters having zero affinity to the local football club. It may take generations to achieve any increase in attendances in proportion to population growth. The smaller Jobserve Stadium is more sustainable relative to local population whereas MK Dons are rumoured to have the largest wage bill, have the largest stadium costs, and now declining gates. It’s a truly poisonous situation given FFP regulations.
It’s going to be a brave man that takes the job.
To say the 30,500 seater stadium was an ambitious build is a massive understatement. It's actually designed to accommodate a third tier, to give a capacity of 45,000, if needed. They've never even got close to filling it (not for a league football match that is), the best being just over 2/3rds full against Bolton in 2017. Even during their one season in the Championship back in 2015/16, they only averaged just over 13,000 per match.
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