We welcome MK Dons to Vale Park on Saturday for the first of three consecutive home fixtures.
Darren Moore's side will be looking to get back on track after a midweek defeat at Colchester United which brought an end to our unbeaten start to 2025.
Gaffer's Thoughts
Here’s what Darren Moore had to say following Tuesday’s defeat:
“The game was bitty from start to finish and we never really gained control of it. We are obviously disappointed to have worked so hard to get back in the game and then give it away in that manner.
“But we win together and we lose together. We accept tonight we weren’t quite good enough to come away with the points.“
The Gaffer also spoke ahead of Saturday’s visit of MK Dons
“They can present dangers all over the pitch, we have to make sure that we’re absolutely spot on with our game. We see it as the next game, It’s the next game from the midweek game that we’ve got at home.”
It’s the first of three home games which are at Vale Park which I’m really, really pleased with. We’ve been on the road a lot and it’s nice to be back home in front of our home crowd.”
The Opposition
After a decent start to the season, MK Dons now find themselves looking over their shoulder in 18th position in Sky Bet League Two.
The Dons come into Saturday’s game with just three wins since the turn of the year and six defeats in their last eight games.
Despite this poor run, MK Dons did win their most recent game when they beat fellow strugglers Morecambe 2-1 at Stadium MK. The Shrimpers took the lead in the first half before goals either side of the break from Danilo Orsi and Luke Offord saw the Dons pick up a valuable three points.
The Dons have struggled on the road this season, losing ten of their sixteen away games and winning just four. Their last win away from home came on New Year’s Day when they beat Chesterfield 2-1.
Who’s in Charge?
MK Dons sacked Scott Lindsey earlier this month after a poor run of form and they are still yet to appoint a replacement.
Former EFL defender Ben Gladwin has stepped up from his role as First Team Coach to take temporary charge of the Dons. This is the second time Gladwin has taken over from Lindsey as he did the same earlier in the season at Crawley Town. In the two games that Gladwin has been in charge for his side have lost to Accrington Stanley and beaten Morecambe.
Whoever is appointed as the new Dons manager will be their third permanent manager of the season after Mike Williamson left earlier in the season and Scott Lindsey was sacked.
Player to Watch
There was much surprise when Dan Crowley left Notts County to join MK Dons in January. It’s fair to say that Crowley hasn’t quite met the expectations of the Dons fans since his arrival. In his twelve games so far has failed to score and got just three assists. However, he’s a talented player and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Alex Gibley is the clubs leading scorer with ten goals in the league so far. The experienced EFL midfielder has been the shining light for his side in what’s been a tough campaign.
Danilo Orsi was reunited with his former manager in January when he signed on-loan from Crawley Town. Last season, Orsi played a vital role in Crawley’s promotion from League Two as he bagged 23 goals in a prolific campaign. So far this season, he has scored two goals in seven games, including the winning goal in his sides last outing.
Last Time We Met
MK Dons 0 Port Vale 1, Saturday 12th October 2024
When the sides met in October, the Valiants won three points in a hard-fought clash at Stadium MK.
The only notable chance of the first half came from the hosts when Aaron Nemane turned sharply in the box before firing a shot straight at Connor Ripley from the right side of the area.
In the second half, Vale showed more intent and came close to going ahead when Connor Hall flashed a half-volley effort wide of the upright from outside the box.
Soon after, Ryan Croasdale’s low cross fell to Lorent Tolaj who miss-kicked his first effort but then fired a deflected strike towards goal which was saved at the near post by Tom McGill.
The deciding goal of the game came in the 77th minute when Jack Shorrock’s exquisite cross from the left was neatly finished by Antwoine Hackford who volleyed home at the near post to give his side the lead.
Hackford had a great chance to double his sides lead when he broke free of MK's backline, but fired straight at McGill who saved well.
Ref Watch
Michael Barlow will take charge of Saturday’s fixture. He will be assisted by Jack Forder-Hay and Ollie Williams. Grant Taylor will undertake the role of fourth official.
Saturday’s game will be the 18th fixture that Barlow has been in charge for this season. He has predominantly refereed in the National League but has also taken charge of handful of League One and Two games. This is Barlow’s first season in the EFL and he has never taken charge of a Vale fixture
