The Beginning of the Resurrection

MK Dons (A) - EFL League 2 - 3rd April 2026

We could be heroes

I was a bit sceptical re-entering the world of match reports with Beans following my last foray into the Beans-o-Sphere after the calamitous capitulation at Fleetwood. However, I was buoyed with a newfound optimism following our dominating win over top of the table Bromley.

Now without giving too many spoilers away here, I've somehow found myself with the task of having to make yesterday's performance and visit to the MK Supercentre/bowl/shopping mall thing. So, if you're looking for some escapism from the Easter weekend and having to spend 4 whole days with the family with a well put together and articulate breakdown of yesterday's game, I'd suggest this maybe won't be for you. Alternatively, if you're after someone trying to break down the result with a mild hangover and forgetfulness of yesterday's events (bloody Buzzballs) then look no further.

There was no real expectation for this one, we were firmly on Brucey Bonus points for me against an MK side who I'd been largely impressed by when they came up to Holker St at the start of the season. Mind you, they are probably spending as much on this current squad as we have on paying off managers since our return to the EFL. The bus seemed a bit more upbeat as a collective against my dour view, a sterling effort and a thanks goes out to the organiser and those who contributed financially to get the lads and lasses down to both MK and Salford.

Unchanged from Bromley, I couldn't argue with that. We'd been excellent against the best side in the league and the change from back 5 to back 4 had seen us look harder to break down of late (Grimsby aside). As we rolled into the hyper complex that is MK's stadium, greeted by every potential chain restaurant that possibly exists including a Papa Johns that was integrated into the stadium -- really takes on a new meaning to bring your pizza and your Carling. This wasn't my first visit here; I was as uninspired now as I was last season. Entire top tier shut and about a quarter full, a bit like Darlington for the lucky saint generation.

We commenced, backed by a superb support of 200+ Bluebirds. Earing off injured within 10 minutes.... great, he'd been good since Foley took charge of events. Smith was brought on into a position I thought would lead to issues in the game, more on that later. Rose and Gordon battled hard as they were thrown around by the MK brutes at centre half with not much protection from the man in the middle.

MK pressed on, a superb tackle from MJ Williams kept the game even as they threw men into the box and we struggled to get out. Stanway was forced into a routine stop moments later as our defence stood strong, not something we've been able to say very often here as Barrow fans this season. The introduction of Angus McDonald some would argue has given us more of a backbone, a player who appears to be coming up to speed game by game as we approach the season's climax. As another ball came in towards the experienced Paterson, McDonald's vital block was justifying the plaudits he was receiving.

A throw out to Shipley from Stanway provided the first heart in mouth moment of the game, the left back seemed to think the ball would arrive to him but fell just short. The shock on his face is what I imagine Doubting Thomas looked like as Jesus strolled into the pub back in Bethlehem, after going on that mad 3 day bender way back when (believe it or not I do have a B in GCSE RE). McDonald to the rescue off the line as he repented for Shipley's earlier sins.

MK marched on, this time a driving run from the left rattling the post straight into the path of Jon Mellish. This was it. The former Carlisle man with the chance to open the scoring and give James Phillips and our friends north of the county the same joy I shared as I put silly signs up down the 590 last year. STANWAY. IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR GOAL! A superb save from Wyll denied MK the lead as the linesman's delayed flag shot up, a reminder of just how quickly this MK team could turn it on in the critical moments. Half time came with a note from the away support that the team had battled hard once again. If we were to get anything here, we needed to be as one both on and off the pitch.

We came back out resurgent, looking to get an early goal in the half as Gordon and Rose seemed to get a moment of joy against the MK backline. A scramble in the box ensued from the following corner with bodies resembling the Royal Rumble as the ball found its way back to Scott Smith.... Bollocks, a fantastic effort from the midfielder settled just wide of the post, as the away end landed collectively back down to earth. That was to be the end of our attacking efforts for the 90 as we were forced further back as a deflected effort was saved well by Stanway.

Wave after wave of attack followed with no clear opportunities for the hosts, Stanway came and punched away well on numerous occasions and our backline seemed up for the challenge against MK's Galácticos. The away support roared on as the attacks continued. 10 minutes added on...Bloody hell, Lewis...The ball dropping into the box to Nemane being blocked superbly by Smith, who'd had an excellent game despite my earlier thoughts, cross into the box met by the head of Tomlinson...FOR FUC...... STANWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR GOAL. Now this was a drab affair if I'm to be totally honest. But the save from Stanway was worth the entry fee alone as he leapt across his net to deny the MK man.

Full time. Relief -- a good point against a good outfit in MK who I'd been impressed by yet again. The away end celebrating like it was a massive win, too much for me -- it was an important point on our quest for survival but the job here is far from done.

6 big games left now, and we must be up for it as a collective.

Til the End.

February / March 2026

£3.20

Buy Now