MK Dons see off Swindon to solidify automatic promotion place

MK Dons pulled off a 2-1 win over Swindon Town at the County Ground in a result that helps strengthen the Dons’ place in the top three.

Marvin Ekpiteta scored the game’s crucial third goal with a 79th minute winner after Ollie Clarke had cancelled out Alex Gilbey’s first half opener.

Combined with Notts County’s defeat at home to Chesterfield, victory means MK Dons have extended their lead to seven points above the play-offs, with Paul Warne’s side remaining second in the League 2 table. The result means MK Dons are now unbeaten in 13 League Two games, as well as picking up a third straight win.

Having racked up 5 goals in a midweek thumping of Gillingham in Kent, MK Dons were turning attention to a big promotion six pointer, with Swindon Town looking to close the gap on the Dons in the fourth tier table.

After a tight opening phase where the Dons had some half-chances, Swindon missed a great chance to take the lead when Clarke was denied by a fine stop from away keeper Craig MacGillivray.

Gilbey hammered a drive over after being picked out by Aaron Collins, but a few moments after doing that, the Dons captain would give the visitors a 36th minute lead. Once more, a pass by Collins released Gilbey, and this time his effort found the back of the Swindon net via a deflection.

Swindon equalised 11 minutes after the restart, as a through pass released Aaron Drinan and he in turn cut the ball back for Clarke to beat MacGillivray and equalise.

Both sides missed opportunities to take the lead, with Ben Wiles seeing a strike just bounce wide for the visitors before Drinan dragged an effort off target.

The game’s third goal would fall the way of the Dons, as Ekpiteta poked the ball home in the 79th minute after Wiles’ cross was prodded into his path by sub Scott Hogan.

From there, MK Dons were able to see the job through, keeping the Robins at arms’ length and bagging the points for the trip home.

Warne’s side will seek to consolidate their advantage with a pair of upcoming home games, as they now prepare to play Colchester United and Barnet at Stadium MK.