Latics looking for Dons double tonic

Penney’s men seek away-day success

MILTON Keynes Dons enter tonight’s Athletic test knowing that their chances of a play-off place have now all-but disappeared.

A last-minute free-kick by Norwich striker Chris Martin secured a point for the Coca-Cola League One leaders at Carrow Road.

City had trailed 1-0 to a goal by former Athletic loan striker Aaron Wilbraham, who scored twice in four matches in a brief spell at Boundary Park six years ago.

But the hero turned to villain in the closing stages of the match. Wilbraham committed a foul which led not only to Martin’s equalising goal, but also gave him a second yellow card in the process to rule him out of tonight’s clash.

It meant that Ince — whose side picked up a total of nine cautions from referee Kevin Friend in a bad-tempered match — couldn’t celebrate becoming the only team to complete a league double over Norwich this season.

When Athletic make the trip south tonight, manager Dave Penney can eye a double of his own.

MK Dons were beaten 2-1 at Boundary Park in late September courtesy of goals by Kiegan Parker — since shipped off to Bury on loan — and Alan Sheehan, who is now plying his trade at the top of the division with Swindon Town on loan from Leeds United.

After picking up a pair of wins in the last three matches, both at home, Athletic are now on the hunt for a third away-day victory of 2010.

MK Dons, on the other hand, haven’t won in their last six matches and have drifted into a disappointing 10th place in the division.

Former Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick lines up on the wing for the home side who also have big-four experience in the shape of on-loan Arsenal midfielder Mark Randall.

Top scorer Jermaine Easter has hit 19 goals this season including 14 in the league and the Cardiff-born former Plymouth and Wycombe striker will be hoping to make up for the loss of his strike partner Wilbraham — scorer of the opening Dons goal in last season’s 6-2 demolition job on Athletic at stadium:mk.

That result was followed by the sacking of manager John Sheridan, with Joe Royle taking over the role until the end of the season.